Final answer:
The proper venue for a crime committed in multiple jurisdictions is primarily in the state where the crime was committed. If outside any state, Congress determines the location. Cases may be heard in both state and federal courts if they involve federal law, and change of venue can be requested for a fair trial.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a crime is committed across multiple jurisdictions, it can raise questions regarding the appropriate venue for the trial to be held. The general rule, according to the U.S. Constitution, is that the trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by a jury and held in the state where the said crimes have been committed. If the crime is not committed within any state, then the trial shall occur in a location determined by Congress.
However, some cases span both state and federal jurisdictions, and as such, they may be heard in both state and federal courts. This includes crimes that involve federal law violations, such as armed robbery with a gun, or civil violations of federal law, like employment discrimination. In addition, a change of venue may be requested by the accused if a fair trial is in jeopardy due to pre-trial publicity or other factors influencing the impartiality of a potential jury.
Another key aspect is the principle of double jeopardy, which prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same crime in the same level of court. However, it is possible for someone to face both criminal and civil trials for the same incident, or to be tried in both federal and state courts, due to the different laws and jurisdictions involved.