What does the term "double jeopardy" mean?

The term "double jeopardy" specifically refers to the legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried twice for the same crime once they have been acquitted or convicted. This principle is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which aims to protect individuals from the emotional, financial, and social burdens associated with being subjected to multiple trials for the same offense.

Understanding this concept is crucial since it is a fundamental protection in the legal system that preserves the finality of acquittals and convictions, ensuring that individuals are not endlessly pursued by the state after a verdict has been rendered.