Connelly v DPP
Encyclopedia
Connelly v DPP [1964] was a landmark trial
in the United Kingdom
where the House of Lords
passed a ruling regarding double jeopardy
in British law. It was ruled that criminal proceedings could be stayed if an "abuse of process" violated the "standards of fairness" and hampered the rights of the defendant.Epp, p. 135-136. Connelly had been tried for murder
while in the commission of a robbery
, and was found guilty despite a defence revolving around a lack of intent for murder. Connelly's case was then heard at the Court of Appeal, where his conviction was overturned and Connelly was acquitted of murder and instead indicted for robbery. Connelly pleaded autrefois acquit, or double jeopardy, however it was rejected and he was convicted. It was ruled that the offences of murder while committing robbery, and robbery, differed enough "in fact and in law" for double jeapordy to not apply.
Trial (law)
In law, a trial is when parties to a dispute come together to present information in a tribunal, a formal setting with the authority to adjudicate claims or disputes. One form of tribunal is a court...
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
where the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
passed a ruling regarding double jeopardy
Double jeopardy
Double jeopardy is a procedural defense that forbids a defendant from being tried again on the same, or similar charges following a legitimate acquittal or conviction...
in British law. It was ruled that criminal proceedings could be stayed if an "abuse of process" violated the "standards of fairness" and hampered the rights of the defendant.Epp, p. 135-136. Connelly had been tried for murder
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
while in the commission of a robbery
Robbery
Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear....
, and was found guilty despite a defence revolving around a lack of intent for murder. Connelly's case was then heard at the Court of Appeal, where his conviction was overturned and Connelly was acquitted of murder and instead indicted for robbery. Connelly pleaded autrefois acquit, or double jeopardy, however it was rejected and he was convicted. It was ruled that the offences of murder while committing robbery, and robbery, differed enough "in fact and in law" for double jeapordy to not apply.