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Thu 13 Jan, 2011 09:43 am
In April 2005 the British government abolished the double jeopardy rule, which had prevented anyone from being brought before a court twice for the same crime. The law was overturned for cases with compelling new evidence. In May 2009, this new law was used to convict Mario Celaire who had already been tried once for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Cassandra McDermott. He was sentenced to NOT LESS than 23 years
The above is one example where the dirtbag got what he deserved, but in another case two teenagers were found not guilty of murder and tried again, and again found not guilty.
Would you like to see the double jeopardy scrapped in the U.S. or do you think Britain got it wrong?
Regardless of whether someone thinks it should or shouldn't, it is highly unlikely ever to be tampered with. Unlike England, where "constitution" is a notional term, the United States has a constitution which also provides for the amendment of that document. The protection against double jeopardy is provided for in that clause of the fifth amendment--nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb;--and it is just foolish to think that anyone is ever going to get a new amendment approved by two thirds of the two houses of Congress, followed by the ratification of said amendment by three fourths of the states.
It ain'ta gonna happen.
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