What principle does "double jeopardy" illustrate?

The principle illustrated by "double jeopardy" is that a person cannot be tried twice for the same offense. This legal doctrine is rooted in the protection against repeated prosecution for the same crime after a verdict has already been rendered, whether that verdict is an acquittal or a conviction. The rationale behind this principle is to safeguard individuals from the financial, emotional, and social toll of enduring multiple trials for the same alleged offense.

The double jeopardy rule is enshrined in various legal systems, including Canadian law, where it is recognized as a fundamental protection for defendants. It ensures finality in criminal proceedings—once a trial concludes and a verdict is reached, the matter cannot be revisited in the same jurisdiction.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the essence of the double jeopardy principle. The ability to appeal a conviction, the concept of retrying based on new evidence, or the notion of pardons after acquittal are governed by different principles and legal standards, which do not directly relate to the protection against double jeopardy.