Which amendment protects against double jeopardy?

The protection against double jeopardy is found in the 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment provides that no person shall "be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb." In practical terms, this means that once a person has been tried and acquitted or convicted of a crime, they cannot be tried again for the same offense in the same jurisdiction. This principle is fundamental in safeguarding individuals from the emotional, financial, and psychological toll of repeated prosecutions for the same alleged act, ensuring that the government does not have unlimited power to pursue a citizen relentlessly.

The other amendments listed serve different legal protections: the 6th Amendment ensures the right to a fair trial, the 8th Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and the 14th Amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law. Thus, understanding the specific protections each amendment offers helps clarify why the 5th Amendment is uniquely relevant to the concept of double jeopardy.