Which amendment protects citizens against double jeopardy?

The Fifth Amendment is the constitutional provision that protects citizens against double jeopardy, which is the idea of being tried twice for the same offense. This protection ensures that once a person has been acquitted or convicted of a crime, they cannot be prosecuted again for the same crime in the same jurisdiction, thereby safeguarding individuals from the distress and potential unfairness of multiple trials. Additionally, the Fifth Amendment encompasses other important rights, such as protection against self-incrimination and guarantees of due process. Understanding this helps clarify why the Fifth Amendment is pivotal in maintaining legal fairness and protecting individual rights within the United States judicial system.