What happens when the accused enters a plea of 'Autrefois Acquit'?

When the accused enters a plea of 'Autrefois Acquit,' they are asserting that they have previously been acquitted of the same charges. This plea is rooted in the principle of double jeopardy, which protects individuals from being tried for the same offense after an acquittal. By invoking 'Autrefois Acquit,' the accused is emphasizing that the matter has already been resolved in their favor in a prior legal proceeding, and therefore, they cannot be tried again for that same offense. This legal doctrine serves to uphold the right to finality in criminal cases, ensuring that once a verdict of not guilty is reached, the individual cannot be subjected to further prosecution for that particular allegation, thereby providing important protection for defendants against judicial harassment.