What constitutional rule forbids trial or punishment for the same crime by the same government?

• A. Double Jeopardy
• B. Natural Rights
• C. Equality of Opportunity
• D. Equality of Results

Answer: (A)

The main idea is double jeopardy: you cannot be tried or punished twice for the same offense by the same government. This constitutional rule comes from the Fifth Amendment and is applied to the states as well. It bars both a second prosecution after acquittal or after a conviction, and it stops multiple punishments for the same offense. When courts decide whether two charges count as the same offense, they look at whether each offense requires proving a distinct element; if not, the later charge may be barred by double jeopardy. Note that because different governments are separate sovereigns, the same conduct can sometimes lead to prosecutions by both state and federal authorities without violating the rule.