"Double Jeopardy" is not allowed in the NAR Code of Ethics

One of those probably little known facts about how the mechanics of the NAR Code of Ethics enforcement procedures works is that if a grievance is filed against you and the Grievance Committee fails to forward it for a hearing or if you are found to be not in violation by a Professional Standards Committee then you basically can't be subsequently subject to the same (or a substantially similar) ethics complaint.

That "double jeopardy" policy is known as policy # 42 and can be found on page 25 of the 2008 NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual.

Article 5 of the United States Constitution prohibits us from being tried twice for the same offense after acquittal, after conviction, or being subject to multiple punishments for the same offense.

"DOUBLE JEOPARDY - Being tried twice for the same offense; prohibited by the 5th Amendmentto the U.S. Constitution. '[T]he Double Jeopardy Clause protects against three distinct abuses: [1] a second prosecution for the same offense after acquittal; [2] a second prosecution for the same offense after conviction; and [3] multiple punishments for the same offense.' U.S. v. Halper, 490 U.S. 435, 440 (1989)."

NAR members can download their own copy here or order a hard copy from NAR for 15 bucks.

Not the most fascinating book I've ever read but certainly a useful one should the need ever arise.