Law Weblog

Double jeopardy, first case

Tuesday 12 September 2006 at 9:47 pm | In News | Post Comment

Billy Dunlop aged 43 pleaded guilty to murdering Julie Hogg after being previously acquitted. His conviction makes him the first person to be prosecuted again after acquittal in 800 years.
The necessary changes to the law were contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

The rule against double jeopardy exists so that there is finality to criminal proceedings. Only those suspected of serious offences such as murder, rape, and arson endangering life can be prosecuted after they have been acquitted.

News report here.