"As a general rule, a plea in a court that does not have jurisdiction to take that plea will not bar subsequent prosecution," he said.

And even if one were found, she said, the five-year statute of limitations, which applies to most criminal laws except homicide, would bar prosecution.

The Point Grey policemen were acquitted, and the government controversially barred prosecution of the others.

The statute of limitations barred prosecution for espionage.

The degree in effect barred prosecution of military men for human rights abuses committed in the four years after 1982.

Mr. Lewis's reading of the Constitution would bar pre-impeachment prosecution not only of the President but also of thousands of civil officers, all subject to impeachment.

He also asked an assistant United States attorney, Ronnie Abrams, about the statute of limitations that can bar prosecution of a case.

The decree, if upheld, would bar prosecution of military officials, as well as General Suchinda, for actions in the crackdown.

The decree would bar prosecution of General Suchinda and all other officials involved in the crackdown.

Jurisdictional immunity may well bar prosecution for a certain period or for certain offences; it cannot exonerate the person to whom it applies from all criminal responsibility.