What does the legal principle of "double jeopardy" protect against?

The legal principle of "double jeopardy" is a protection provided under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. It ensures that an individual cannot be tried twice for the same crime once they have been acquitted or convicted. This principle not only upholds the integrity of the judicial process but also protects individuals from the stress and financial burden of multiple trials for the same offense.

When a defendant is acquitted, they remain innocent of the charges, and a conviction leads to a determination of guilt. Double jeopardy reinforces the idea that a person should not face the same legal dangers repeatedly and contributes to the finality of criminal proceedings. This principle fosters a sense of security for the accused, knowing that a single, fair trial is sufficient to resolve charges against them.

Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what double jeopardy safeguards against, emphasizing that the same individual cannot be subjected to legal proceedings more than once for the same alleged act.