Which term refers to the legal principle that prevents someone from being tried again for the same crime?

The term that refers to the legal principle preventing someone from being tried again for the same crime is double jeopardy. This principle is grounded in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that no person shall "be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb." Essentially, it protects individuals from the emotional, financial, and social consequences of being tried multiple times for the same alleged offense, ensuring finality in criminal proceedings.

Understanding double jeopardy is essential in legal contexts, as it upholds the principle of fairness in the judicial system. The protection granted by double jeopardy means that once a verdict has been reached—whether guilty or not guilty—a defendant cannot be retried for that same crime in a different court or jurisdiction. This legal safeguard serves to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and safeguards against government abuse, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to endless legal battles for the same charge.