What is "double jeopardy"?

Double jeopardy refers to the legal principle that protects individuals from being prosecuted more than once for the same offense. This means that once a person has been acquitted or convicted of a particular crime, they cannot be tried again for that same crime in the same jurisdiction. This principle is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which aims to prevent the state from subjecting individuals to multiple prosecutions and punishments for the same act, thereby safeguarding personal liberty and ensuring finality in legal proceedings.

The other options do not accurately describe the concept of double jeopardy. The right to a fair trial refers to the guarantee that every defendant receives a fair and impartial trial, while the requirement to present new evidence relates to the rules of evidence and appeals. The ability to appeal a criminal conviction involves reviewing a case after a verdict has been reached but does not pertain to being tried for the same offense multiple times.