Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against double jeopardy?

The protection against double jeopardy is found in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment provides that no person shall "be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb." This means that once a person has been tried and acquitted or convicted for a crime, they cannot be tried again for the same offense in the same jurisdiction. This principle is crucial for ensuring fairness in the legal system and preventing the government from subjecting individuals to multiple trials for the same crime, which could lead to harassment and undue stress.

In contrast, the First Amendment addresses freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, while the Eighth Amendment deals with excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Each of these amendments serves a distinct purpose within the framework of American law, but it is the Fifth Amendment that specifically addresses and protects individuals from being tried for the same crime more than once.