criminal

The principle that prohibits an individual from being tried more than once for the same crime is a cornerstone of legal systems designed to protect individual liberties. For instance, if a person is acquitted of robbery after a full trial, this safeguard prevents the prosecution from attempting a second trial for the same robbery, based on the same evidence, even if new evidence surfaces later.

This protection is vital to prevent the state from using its extensive resources to repeatedly prosecute someone until a conviction is obtained. Its importance lies in ensuring fairness, preventing harassment by the government, and preserving the finality of judgments. Historically, this concept has evolved from ancient legal traditions, reflecting a universal concern about governmental overreach and the need for a balance between state power and individual rights.