What does the term double jeopardy refer to?

The term double jeopardy refers specifically to the legal principle that a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. This protection is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and serves to prevent individuals from facing the anxiety, expense, and potential punishment of being retried after a verdict has been rendered. The principle is designed to uphold the integrity of the judicial system, ensuring that once a legal decision is made, it is final regarding that particular charge.

Understanding double jeopardy is important as it highlights fundamental rights within the criminal justice system, allowing individuals to have the certainty that they will not be subjected to repeated legal proceedings for the same alleged offense.