What amendment guarantees the right against double jeopardy?

The correct answer is the 5th Amendment, which guarantees the right against double jeopardy. This legal principle protects individuals from being tried twice for the same offense after either an acquittal or a conviction. The 5th Amendment ensures that once a person has been legally acquitted or convicted of a crime, they cannot be subjected to another trial for the same charges, which upholds the fairness and integrity of the legal system. This protection is a critical aspect of the American judicial process, reflecting the belief that it is unjust to place someone in a position of facing the same charges multiple times, which can lead to governmental oppression and harassment.

In contrast, the 3rd Amendment deals with the quartering of soldiers, the 4th Amendment addresses protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the 6th Amendment ensures the right to a fair trial, including the right to counsel and the right to confront witnesses. Each of these amendments serves distinct protections under the law, but none specifically addresses the issue of double jeopardy.