Final answer:
The statement regarding the defendants of the Scottsboro case being acquitted is false; they received lengthy prison sentences, with Alabama granting posthumous pardons in 2013. The case emphasized the importance of fair legal representation and impartial juries, contributing to the civil rights movement. Double jeopardy prevents retrial for the same crime after acquittal, but does not protect against civil lawsuits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Scottsboro Trial and Double Jeopardy
The statement 'The defendants were acquitted' is false regarding the Scottsboro case, as most of the accused received lengthy prison terms, although they avoided the death penalty. The Supreme Court acknowledged that the defendants had been denied adequate legal representation, and the exclusion of Black jurors led to a denial of due process. The Scottsboro case highlighted the need for fair trials and an impartial jury, laying early groundwork for the civil rights movement.
Regarding the concept of double jeopardy, the rule stipulates that individuals cannot be tried again for a crime after being acquitted. However, being acquitted in a criminal case does not prevent one from being sued in a civil case. This is evident from the example of O.J. Simpson who, after being found not guilty in criminal court, was found responsible in civil court.