Double jeopardy

Double jeopardy, prosecution of an individual twice for the same crime. The 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects a person against being tried twice on the same charge. The U.S. Supreme Court, in Benton v. Maryland (1969), held that this principle was applicable to the states through the “due process” clause of the 14th Amendment. Neither federal nor state officers can appeal a verdict of acquittal, but the accused may appeal a verdict of guilty.