double jeopardy

noun

: the prosecution of a person for a second time for the same offense : two adjudications for one offense

: considerable danger or trouble from two sources

Examples of double jeopardy in a Sentence

constitutional protections against double jeopardy

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

This is double jeopardy by any common sense judgment. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026 So what exactly is double jeopardy? — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026 Smollett maintained the hate crime was real and pushed for his conviction to be thrown out on the basis of double jeopardy. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Pino can’t be convicted of both charges because of the constitutional protection against double jeopardy or being punished more than once for the same crime. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for double jeopardy

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of double jeopardy was in 1862

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Style

“Double jeopardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20jeopardy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

double jeopardy

noun

: the prosecution of a person for an offense for which he or she has already been prosecuted see also jeopardy compare merger sense 3

Note: The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that no person shall “be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” The double jeopardy clause bars second prosecutions after either acquittal or conviction, and prohibits multiple punishments for the same offense.

double jeopardy

noun

Examples of double jeopardy in a Sentence

Word History

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