Skip to Content

Double Jeopardy law.

The rule against double jeopardy has been a fundamental part of criminal law in England and Wales for centuries. But what exactly does it entail, and how has it evolved?


1. What Is Double Jeopardy?

o The principle of double jeopardy states that once a person has been acquitted (found not guilty) of a crime, they cannot be tried again for the same offense.
o In other words, if you’ve faced trial and received an acquittal, you’re protected from being prosecuted a second time—even if new evidence emerges or you later confess.

2. Historical Context:

o For around 800 years, this principle stood firm, preventing retrials for the same offense.
o The common law upheld two related principles:
- Autrefois acquit: A bar to retrial after acquittal.
- Autrefois convict: A similar bar after conviction.

o Courts considered it an abuse of process to bring additional charges for different offenses arising from the same behavior or facts.

3. Reform in 2003:

o The Criminal Justice Act 2003 introduced significant changes.
o Part 10 of the Act permits retrials in cases of very serious offenses where:
- There has been an acquittal in court.
- New and compelling evidence subsequently comes to light, indicating the acquitted person’s guilt.

Examples of such evidence include DNA or fingerprint tests or new witnesses

4. How It Works Now:

o The Court of Appeal can now quash an acquittal and order a retrial when compelling new evidence emerges.
o This reform allows justice to prevail in cases where the original acquittal was based on incomplete information.
o Retrials are limited to serious offenses, including murder.

In summary, while the historical principle of double jeopardy remains significant, the 2003 reform enables retrials in exceptional circumstances. The scales balance between finality and the pursuit of truth.

Double Jeopardy law.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Dangerous Driving.

You may have witnessed people driving, 'dangerously' or you may have been stopped for dangerous driving, but are you aware that there are other charges that fal..

Speeding motoring offences

Speeding motoring offences
Over 100,000 motorists are caught speeding each year, many have attended speed awareness courses, many were fined and received point..

Social Media hampering police investigations.

Its time social media worked better with the police...

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Children and the law - Committing a crime

Children and the law - Committing a crime.
A child under 10 will not be charged with a criminal offence but they can face consequences for their actions.
The..

Children and the Law - Car Safety

Up until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must, ..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' laws to defeat knife crime...

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.

The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...

Handling Stolen Goods

What is meant by 'handling stolen goods'...

Dogs and the Law.

Dogs and the Law.
Does your dog need a license, should it be chipped are you buying it from a reputable breeder and is it covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act?..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top