If you look for the phrase "double jeopardy", you may find the popular game show, instead of the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution guarantees us that we will not be "twice put in jeopardy of life or limb" for the same offense. This is often called "double jeopardy". The quote is from Amendment V ( the 5th Amendment ) to the U.S. Constitution, one of the "top ten" that make the "Bill of Rights".
The guarantee against double jeopardy means that once a person is tried and acquitted, he or she cannot be tried again on the same charge ( offense ). If the prosecutor finds new evidence, and the person has already been tried and acquitted, there will not be a new trial--it's just over.
A person who has been tried and convicted retains the right to appeal his or her conviction, which will mean a new hearing, if the appeal is granted. A person who believes that his or her trial was unfair may ask for a new trial. Appeals and new trials are only granted to those convicted of crimes, and never to the government.
No comments:
Post a Comment