Can an individual be prosecuted by different jurisdictions for the same offense?

An individual can indeed be prosecuted by different jurisdictions for the same act, and this principle is grounded in the legal doctrine known as "dual sovereignty." Under this doctrine, both state and federal governments have the authority to enforce their laws independently. This means that an individual could face prosecution at the state level for a violation of state law while simultaneously facing federal charges for a violation of federal law, even if both prosecutions arise from the same set of facts or actions.

This framework is established to allow different legal systems to address offenses that may violate multiple laws or involve interests that concern different levels of government. For example, if a person commits a crime that violates both state law (such as robbery) and federal law (such as transporting stolen goods across state lines), they may be subject to prosecution in both state court and federal court without this constituting double jeopardy, which generally prohibits being tried twice for the same offense within that jurisdiction.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of dual sovereignty. The notion that one trial is final for all jurisdictions disregards the independent authority of each legal system. Suggesting that prosecution only occurs for distinct charges fails to recognize that the same act may violate multiple laws across different jurisdictions. Lastly, implying that only federal