double jeopardy in English
- double jeopardy⇄double jeopardy
(U.S. Law.) the trying of a person a second time for an offense he was acquitted of at a previous legal trial. Double jeopardy is prohibited by the fifth amendment of the Constitution.
Double Jeopardy
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
ˈdʌb(ə)l ˈdʒɛpədi
Definitions
- The prosecution of a person twice for the same offense, prohibited in many legal systems.
- A situation of facing two risks or disadvantages simultaneously.
Usage Examples
- The court dismissed the case due to the principle of double jeopardy.
- He found himself in double jeopardy, risking both his job and his reputation.
- Double jeopardy laws protect individuals from repeated prosecution for the same crime.
Etymology
Derived from "double," meaning twofold, and "jeopardy," from Old French "jeu parti," meaning a divided game or uncertainty.
Synonyms
- Legal immunity
- Dual threat
- Second prosecution
Antonyms
- Single prosecution
- Legal vulnerability
- First trial
Translations
| Language | Translations | Pronunciations |
|---|---|---|
| French | double incrimination | dublə ɛ̃kʀiminasjɔ̃ |
| Spanish | doble incriminación | ˈdoβle inklimiˈnasjon |
| German | Doppelte Gefahr | dɔpltə ɡəˈfaːɐ̯ |
| Italian | doppio rischio | doppjo ˈriskjo |
| Hindi | दोहरी विपत्ति | doharī vipatti |
| Tamil | இரட்டை ஆபத்து | iraṭṭai āpattu |
| Telugu | రెండు ప్రమాదం | reṇḍu pramādam |
| Kannada | ಎರಡು ಅಪಾಯ | eraḍu apāya |
| Bengali | দ্বৈত বিপদ | dbaẏta bipad |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: ˈdʌb(ə)l ˈdʒɛpədi
- American English: ˈdʌbəl ˈdʒɛpərdi
Historical Usage
The principle of double jeopardy dates back to ancient Roman law and was later codified in English common law.
Cultural Nuances
Double jeopardy is a key feature of many legal systems, particularly in common law countries, protecting individuals from repeated prosecution.
More Information
In most countries, double jeopardy laws prevent a person from being tried again for the same crime after acquittal or conviction. However, exceptions may apply in certain cases, such as new evidence or appeals in higher courts.