[Mark was here]

I believe it was done to the cops in the Rodney King case. Federal civil rights laws and such.

The cops in the Rodney case were clearly subjected to double jeopardy, unless you honestly believe the writers of the Constitution intended for every offense to be defined several ways.

If you believe in the multiple definition theory, the Constitution is solid as a rock, and you are a grand supporter of the Constitution as George Bush Senior was.

If you believe the intent was not for multiple definitions, giving the concept of double jeopardy meaning, you can only hold those like Bush Senior in contempt, because their actions proved they had no respect for the Constitution.

[Verginius Rufus]

The only reason the cops in the Rodney King trial were tried again was because of the riots. The families of O.J.'s victims tried something similar when he benefited from "jury nullification," but I don't think they ever collected the money awarded them.

The double jeopardy clause in the 5th amendment literally has to do with the actual punishment for convicted felons--"nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb..."

That meant if the rope broke in the course of a hanging, and the person being hanged was still alive, they couldn't get another rope and try again.