The spelling of the phrase "double jeopardy" can be understood using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈdʌbəl ˈdʒɛpərdi/. The word 'double' is pronounced with a short 'u' sound and the first syllable is stressed. The word 'jeopardy' is pronounced with a soft 'g' and a short 'e' sound. The second syllable is stressed. The phrase refers to the legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried or punished twice for the same crime. It is an important aspect of many legal systems around the world.
Double jeopardy is a legal concept that refers to the protection against being prosecuted for the same offense more than once. It is an important principle in both criminal and civil law and is grounded in the idea that an individual should not be subjected to multiple punishments or prosecutions for the same act or crime.
In criminal law, double jeopardy prevents a person from being tried again for the same offense after they have already been acquitted or convicted. Once a person has been tried and found not guilty, they cannot be retried for the same charges, regardless of any new evidence that may surface. Additionally, if a person has been tried and convicted, they cannot be retried for the same offense, thereby preventing the government from imposing multiple punishments for the same crime.
The principle of double jeopardy also applies in civil law, where it ensures that a person cannot be sued multiple times for the same harm or injury. If a person has already been sued and a judgment has been rendered in their favor or against them, the same party cannot bring another lawsuit based on the same facts or legal grounds.
The purpose of double jeopardy is to protect individuals from the potential abuse of power and harassment by the government or other parties. It is considered a fundamental right in many legal systems as it promotes fairness, finality, and the preservation of the rule of law.
The word "double jeopardy" originates from the fusion of two terms: "double" and "jeopardy".
- "Double" comes from the Old French word "doble", which ultimately derives from the Latin word "duplus", meaning "twofold" or "double".
- "Jeopardy" comes from the Old French word "jeu parti", which combines the words "jeu" (meaning "game" or "play") and "parti" (meaning "divided" or "decided"). This phrase evolved to mean a divided or undecided game, often used in the context of legal disputes.
The term "double jeopardy" itself emerged in the realm of English law during the 16th century. It denotes the principle that an individual cannot be prosecuted or punished twice for the same offense, protecting citizens from being subjected to repeated criminal trials or penalties.