A more thorough explanation:

Definition: The same-elements test is also known as the Blockburger test or legal-elements test. It is a legal principle used to determine whether two criminal offenses are distinct from each other or if they are the same offense. The test looks at whether each offense requires proof of an element that the other does not.

Example: For example, if someone is charged with both burglary and theft, the same-elements test would be used to determine if these are two separate offenses or if they are the same offense. If burglary requires proof of breaking and entering, and theft requires proof of taking someone else's property, then the offenses are distinct and the person can be charged with both. However, if the burglary charge also includes the theft of property, then the offenses are the same and the person can only be charged with one offense.

Explanation: The same-elements test is used to prevent double jeopardy, which is when someone is charged with the same offense twice. It ensures that each offense has a unique element that distinguishes it from other offenses. In the example given, burglary and theft have different elements, so they are considered separate offenses. However, if the burglary charge also includes theft, then there is no unique element that distinguishes it from the theft charge, so they are considered the same offense.