Criminal justice: ne bis in idem principle or prohibition of double jeopardy

The Council took note of the state of play of the draft Framework Decision on the application of the principle "ne bis in idem" and instructed its preparatory instances to further examine the text of the draft Framework Decision. The application of the "ne bis in idem" principle has thus far raised many serious questions as to the interpretation or acceptance of certain substantive provisions or more general rules because of the different provisions governing this principle in the various international legal instruments and the difference in practices in national law.�