Unit 3: Case Study
NAME
LS311 – Business Law
Prof. SNAME
Case
Armington, while robbing a drugstore, shot and seriously injured Jennings, a drugstore clerk. Armington was subsequently convicted in a criminal trial of armed robbery and assault and battery. Jennings later brought a civil tort suit against Armington for damages. Armington contended that he could not be tried again for the same crime, as that would constitute double jeopardy, which is prohibited by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.
Is he right or wrong? Armington is incorrect. Double Jeopardy is being tried for the same crime twice (Miller & Jentz, 2008). In this case Armington was tried and convicted of the crime, however the civil tort suit is something that is completely different then the armed robbery conviction, therefore this would not fall under double jeopardy. Regardless of the outcome of the criminal trial, the victim can bring a civil suit against Armington to recover any losses or damages. Armington can also be charged federally for civil rights violations for the same crime because assault and battery took place; he cannot claim double jeopardy for that either. Since Jennings was injured in the crime, he has the right to pursue a civil case for damages incurred from the injury. This can include medical bills, time off work, even mental or depression issues stemming from the incident. Armington’s rights have not been violated because these are two difference issues; one being the crime itself and the other being victims’ rights for damages from the crime. Furthermore, Double Jeopardy only precludes only subsequent criminal proceedings as handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court. It does not involve civil, administrative or federal proceedings.
References
Miller, R. L., & Jentz, G. A. (2008,2010) Fundamentals of Business Law
