Legal Dictionary
Mistrial
Definition
A trial rendered invalid through an error in the proceedings.
Deep Dive
A mistrial is a trial that has been rendered invalid, usually due to a fundamental error in the proceedings, misconduct, or the jury's inability to reach a unanimous verdict (a "hung jury"). When a judge declares a mistrial, the legal proceedings up to that point are essentially nullified, as if the trial never happened. This decision is not an acquittal or a conviction but rather a determination that the trial cannot proceed fairly or legitimately to a conclusion.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1The jury in a high-profile case is unable to reach a unanimous verdict after weeks of deliberation, leading the judge to declare a hung jury and a mistrial.
- 2A mistrial is declared when a prosecutor inadvertently presents highly prejudicial and inadmissible evidence to the jury.
- 3A juror is caught discussing the details of the ongoing trial with a member of the public, forcing the judge to halt proceedings.
Related Terms
Hung JuryNew TrialDue Process