Double jeopardy is the legal concept of someone being tried twice for the same crime. In the United States, the Fifth Amendment explicitly prohibits this. The relevant passage states: ...nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put...

In California and most other states, child abandonment can be both a civil and criminal issue. Criminal child abandonment laws in California typically fall under the larger legal umbrella of child abuse, which also includes child neglect. California state...

The Fourth Amendment protects United States citizens from “unreasonable searches and seizures” without probable cause. This applies at both the federal and state level, and it means that the police my not search you or your property without a warrant...

Generally speaking, once you’ve been convicted of a crime, that’s it. Whatever punishment the judge and jury decide on is what your punishment will be. In rare instances however, you may be able to appeal the decision and have your sentence reduced or...