Which amendment protects against double jeopardy?

The Fifth Amendment is essential in protecting individuals from being tried for the same crime more than once, a legal principle known as double jeopardy. This protection is rooted in the belief that once a person has been acquitted or convicted for a specific offense, they should not face the anxiety and potential punishments of being retried for that same offense. This amendment plays a crucial role in ensuring fair legal proceedings and preventing the government from subjecting individuals to the strain of repeated trials for the same alleged wrongdoing.

In contrast, the other amendments listed address different rights and protections. The Sixth Amendment focuses on the rights related to criminal prosecutions, including the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and the assistance of counsel. The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms. Hence, the Fifth Amendment is specifically designed to prevent the government from placing individuals in jeopardy multiple times for the same offense, making it the correct choice for this question.