What does "double jeopardy" imply in legal terms?

In legal terms, "double jeopardy" refers to the principle that an individual cannot be tried for the same offense after they have already been acquitted or convicted. This doctrine is designed to protect individuals from the psychological, emotional, and financial burdens of facing repeated trials for the same alleged crime. It affirms the finality of a legal judgment, ensuring that once a verdict has been reached in a case, either in favor of conviction or acquittal, that decision stands and cannot be revisited in subsequent prosecutions for the same offense.

This fundamental principle is a cornerstone of criminal justice systems in many jurisdictions and serves to uphold the integrity of legal processes and promote public confidence in the judicial system. The other options do not accurately reflect the established legal interpretation of double jeopardy. For example, the idea that a person can be tried multiple times for the same offense contradicts the very definition of double jeopardy and undermines the principle of legal finality.