Double jeopardy law changes

Queensland's double jeopardy laws, which have been embedded in English law for 800 years, have been overhauled after a landmark vote in state Parliament.

The legislature passed a private member's bill from independent MP Peter Wellington which enables an acquitted person to be retried if "fresh and compelling" new evidence emerges in a murder case. But the law change will not be retrospective. The act creates two exceptions to double jeopardy protection.

It allows a retrial for a charge of murder where there is new evidence and allows a retrial for a crime that would attract a 25-year or more sentence, if the original acquittal is tainted. Premier Anna Bligh said the law acknowledged the change in society's view of the laws.