A hung jury and a mistrial are both legal terms that relate to the outcome of a trial, but they have distinct meanings and implications.
Hung Jury
A hung jury occurs when the jury in a trial is unable to reach a unanimous or required majority verdict. This means that after deliberating, the jurors are deadlocked and cannot agree on a verdict. When this happens, the judge may declare a mistrial. The case can then be retried with a new jury, or the prosecution may decide to drop the charges.
Mistrial
A mistrial is a trial that is terminated and declared invalid before its natural conclusion. This can happen for several reasons, including a hung jury, procedural errors, misconduct by the parties involved, or if the judge determines that the trial cannot proceed fairly. When a mistrial is declared, the case may be retried, or the charges may be dismissed, depending on the circumstances.
Key Differences
- Cause: A hung jury is caused by the jury’s inability to reach a verdict, while a mistrial can be caused by various factors, including a hung jury.
- Outcome: A hung jury leads to a mistrial, but a mistrial can occur for reasons other than a hung jury.
- Retrial: Both a hung jury and a mistrial can result in a retrial, but the decision to retry the case depends on the prosecution and the circumstances of the mistrial.
Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone involved in or following a legal case, as they can significantly impact the outcome and the legal process.