Connelly v DPP

Connelly v DPP [1964] was a landmark trial in the United Kingdom where the House of Lords ruled 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. 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 argument 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 jeopardy to not apply.