MS HC28

Proposes amendment to Section 22 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 to eliminate double jeopardy protections for persons accused of killing an unarmed person.

Adds subsection (2) stating the double jeopardy defense shall not be available to anyone, including law enforcement officers, accused of killing an unarmed person.

Double jeopardy defense protects against second prosecution for same offense after acquittal or conviction and against multiple punishments for same offense.

Proposed amendment submitted to qualified electors at election scheduled for first Tuesday after first Monday of November 2018.

Ballot explanation clarifies that persons accused of killing an unarmed person cannot use double jeopardy as a defense.