What is the Double Jeopardy Clause?

The Double Jeopardy Clause, which is contained in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, states that no person shall “be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.”

This Clause is designed to protect individuals accused of committing crimes against a second prosecution for the same crime after acquittal, against a second prosecution for the same offense after conviction, and against multiple punishments for the same crime.

An article that appears on my West Palm Beach Criminal Lawyer Blog looks at one federal case in which the prosecutor violated the Double Jeopardy Clause by twice prosecuting an individual for the same crime after conviction.