Definition of Former jeopardy
Also called "double jeopardy.” Plea of "former jeopardy,” that a person cannot be tried for an offense more than once, is fundamental common law and constitutional right of defendant, affording protection against the defendant being again tried for the same offense, and not against the peril of second punishment. Fifth Amendment of U.S.Const. However, prosecution by both the state and federal governments is not barred by the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. Bartkus v. Illinois, 359 U.S. 121, 79 S.Ct. 676, 3 L.Ed.2d 684. See also Double jeopardy.
That's the definition of Former jeopardy in Black's Law Dictionary 6th Edition. Courtesy of Cekhukum.com.