Despite the constitutional protection against double jeopardy, it is possible under the "dual sovereignty" doctrine for the same conduct to be punished by both the federal government and a state. The principle applies regardless of whether the first trial resulted in a conviction or an acquittal. Here's a current example involving a sailor who was convicted in state court and served time for unpremeditated murder and is now facing military prosecution. See also this report from The Virginian-Pilot.
What is your reaction? What interest of the Navy does this second prosecution vindicate, other than second-guessing whether the state sentence, which reflected a plea bargain, was inadequate?
What is your reaction? What interest of the Navy does this second prosecution vindicate, other than second-guessing whether the state sentence, which reflected a plea bargain, was inadequate?
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