What legal principle protects an individual from being charged twice for the same criminal act?

The principle that protects an individual from being charged twice for the same criminal act is known as double jeopardy. This concept, which is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, prevents a person from being tried again for the same offense after either a conviction or an acquittal. The underlying rationale is to ensure fairness in the legal process and to avoid undue harassment of individuals by the state.

In practical terms, once a person has faced the legal consequence of a criminal charge, whether through a trial that resulted in a verdict or through a plea deal, they cannot be subjected to further prosecution for that same crime. This protection is fundamental in criminal law as it balances the power of the state against the rights of individuals, guarding against the possibility of the state continuing to pursue charges in a bid to obtain a different outcome.

In contrast, the other options do not relate to the issue of being charged twice. Double indictment refers to a procedural error, self-defense is a justification for an act that might otherwise be considered criminal, and the statute of limitations establishes the time frame within which legal proceedings must be initiated.