The supreme court, of the corporate United states, hands down United states v. Watts: Allowing judges to take into account charges, on which a convicted defendant was found not guilty, and impose a stiffer sentence, based upon “a preponderance of the evidence,” as a Jury’s “not guilty” verdict is not proof of innocence. This essentially amounts to a judge being allowed to set aside a not guilty verdict. And it is Double Jeopardy, which is prohibited by Article V of Amendment.
[updated 5/22/2026]
Subsequent Events:
Authority:
“Law of the Jungle”
ccc-2point0.com/preface
References:
Linda Greenhouse, “Supreme Court Say an Acquittal Does Not Bar a Tougher Sentence,” New York Times, 7 January 1997, A1, 11.
United States v. Watts :: 519 U.S. 148 (1997) :: Justia US Supreme Court Center
supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/519/148/