The doctrine that different governments may each file separate criminal actions for the same criminal act is the "dual sovereignty" doctrine.

Question

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The "dual sovereignty" doctrine allows different sovereign governments (e.g., a state and the federal government in the United States) to prosecute an individual for the same act without violating the Double Jeopardy Clause, because each government is considered a separate sovereign.

The Doctrine That Different Governments May Each File Separate Criminal