Court Unanimously Holds that Double Jeopardy Bars Convictions for Two Firearm Offenses
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court addressed the critical issue of double jeopardy in the case of Barrett v. United States. This decision clarifies the application of the Constitution’s double jeopardy clause, particularly in relation to firearm offenses under federal law. The ruling emphasizes the importance of legislative intent when determining whether multiple convictions can arise from a single act that violates closely related statutes. Understanding the Double Jeopardy Clause The double jeopardy clause, found in the Fifth Amendment, protects individuals from being tried or punished for the same offense more than once. In … Read more