Q: I have a few questions, basically resolving on one certain incident. But basically is 40 years to long to re open a case
My uncle was stabbed and killed in the back 40 years ago. The man got off on self defense. Is there anyway to appeal or retry the case in court. I understand double jeporday, but I don't believe the full story was told with the recent discoveries I've made.
A: Double jeopardy prevents re-prosecuting a criminal case against someone, even if the full story was not told at the original trial. There are other legal doctrines that generally prevent the litigation of very old cases (although statute of limitations may not apply to certain acts like murder).
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