Double Jeopardy

Abstract

The Fifth Amendment also provides protections from facing the same charge more than once. This principle is known as "double jeopardy." The underlying idea, one deeply ingrained in at least the Anglo-American system of jurisprudence, is that the state with all its resources and power should not be allowed to make repeated attempts to convict an individual for an alleged offense. Without such limitation, the Court has held, an accused would be forced "to live in a continuing state of anxiety and insecurity, as well as enhancing the possibility that even though innocent he may be found guilty."