Which amendment protects against double jeopardy?

• A. First Amendment
• B. Second Amendment
• C. Fifth Amendment
• D. Sixth Amendment

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to protect you from being tried twice for the same crime. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides this safeguard: once a person has a final verdict—an acquittal or a conviction—the government generally cannot prosecute them again for the same offense based on the same facts. This keeps the legal process fair and prevents endless or harassing prosecutions. The protection covers both jury trials and trials by judge, and it helps ensure finality in criminal cases.

It’s also useful to know what the other amendments cover so you see why this one is different: the First Amendment protects freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly; the Second Amendment concerns the right to keep and bear arms; the Sixth Amendment guarantees rights during criminal prosecutions, such as a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and assistance of counsel.