What is the definition of double jeopardy as specified in the 5th Amendment?

The definition of double jeopardy, as specified in the 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution, refers to the principle that a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. This protection is fundamental in the legal system as it ensures that individuals are not subjected to the emotional and financial burdens of multiple prosecutions for the same offense. It also helps maintain the integrity of judicial proceedings by preventing the government from retrying a case in hopes of obtaining a different outcome after a verdict has been reached.

Other options do not accurately reflect the concept of double jeopardy. Punishing someone without trial does not relate to the double jeopardy clause, as it pertains to due process rights. The right to an attorney is covered under the 6th Amendment, ensuring legal representation during trial proceedings. Wrongful conviction refers to the situation where an innocent person is found guilty, which, while a serious issue, does not pertain specifically to the idea of being tried multiple times for the same alleged crime.