Which legal term refers to a defendant's inability to be tried for the same offense twice?

The legal term that refers to a defendant's inability to be tried for the same offense twice is double jeopardy. This principle is a constitutional protection provided in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that no person shall "be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb." Once a person has been acquitted or convicted of a specific crime, they cannot be prosecuted again for that same offense, providing them with a sense of finality and protection against government overreach.

Double jeopardy ensures fairness in the legal process by preventing multiple prosecutions and punishments for the same acts, safeguarding individuals from the emotional, financial, and personal toll of repeated trials for the same crime. This principle is a crucial aspect of criminal law that upholds the integrity of the judicial system.

The other choices, while important legal concepts, do not pertain to this specific principle. Nolo contendere refers to a plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts conviction as though they had pleaded guilty. Probable cause is the standard used to determine if there is sufficient reason to arrest someone or to obtain a search warrant. Admissibility relates to whether evidence can be presented in court. Each of these terms serves