It appears the British Government wants to do away with “double jeopardy” protection in some cases.
This is the exact reason why we have a Constitution; so political expediency can not easily overrule our shared principles. We have had this protection from “double jeopardy” since right near ratification. It means the government cannot put a criminal on trial after twice for the same crime.
Its a simple enough idea. The Government can’t act like my friend Joe, who continues to say “one more game” until a couple hours later when you finally let him win at Smash Bros..
The British Government argues that in cases of murder, rape or armed assault these protections ought to be relaxed.
under the Criminal Justice Bill, introduced by Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government, a person acquitted of certain serious offenses will face a second trial if compelling new details, such as DNA evidence, come to light.
Britain had double jeopardy protection long before America was even colonized. But they have no constitution. Their Government can pull just about any law they want out of their collective hat.
But just because they can, doesn’t mean they should. Mucking with the bedrock values of the British legal system seems to invite more danger than any benefit.
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