What does the term "jeopardy" refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, the term "jeopardy" refers to the danger of being subjected to a trial or conviction for a crime. It signifies that a defendant is at risk of facing legal consequences, such as imprisonment or penalties, as a result of the prosecution against them. This concept is particularly important in criminal law, where the "double jeopardy" clause of the Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being tried twice for the same crime after a legitimate acquittal or conviction. Therefore, the understanding of "jeopardy" encompasses the idea of a person facing serious legal risks, thus aligning it closely with the notion of great danger or peril in a judicial setting.