Double jeopardy is a legal principle that states an individual cannot be tried twice for the same crime. This constitutional protection ensures that once a person has been acquitted or convicted of a crime, they cannot be retried for that same offense. Double jeopardy protects individuals from being subjected to multiple prosecutions for the same offense, preventing the government from using its vast resources to harass and oppress individuals. This principle is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states that no person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb. Double jeopardy not only safeguards individuals' rights but also promotes finality and certainty in legal proceedings, ensuring that the justice system operates fairly and efficiently.