double jeopardy

[/ˈdʌbəl ˈdʒɛpərdi/]
noun
duplo risco; bis in idem
1. A legal principle that prohibits an individual from being prosecuted twice for substantially the same crime in the same jurisdiction
The defendant was acquitted of murder; double jeopardy prevents him from being tried again for the same offense.
O réu foi absolvido de homicídio; o duplo risco o impede de ser julgado novamente pelo mesmo crime.
2. More broadly, any situation involving two risks, dangers, or undesirable outcomes occurring simultaneously or in succession
The company faces double jeopardy: losing market share while dealing with regulatory fines.
A empresa enfrenta duplo risco: perder participação no mercado enquanto lida com multas regulatórias.
In the United States, double jeopardy is a fundamental constitutional protection enshrined in the Fifth Amendment, reflecting deep historical commitment to individual rights and limiting government power. In Brazil and Portugal, the principle (bis in idem) is protected under their respective constitutions and European law, though the specific procedures and scope may differ. The term carries significant weight in legal discourse in both cultures as a safeguard against prosecutorial abuse.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
bis in idembeing tried twicedual prosecutionre-prosecution
Antonyms / Antônimos
acquittal protectionlegal immunity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
duplo risco; bis in idem
Standard legal terminology used in constitutional law and criminal procedure
Portugal
ne bis in idem; duplo julgamento
European legal tradition emphasizes the Latin term; protected under EU law
United States
double jeopardy
Constitutional protection under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Related Words

acquittalprosecutionFifth Amendmentcriminal lawlegal protectionjurisdiction

Related Idioms & Phrases

in double jeopardy
place someone in double jeopardy
double jeopardy clause
protection against double jeopardy
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