WorldSeptember 3, 2026
mistrial
MISS-try-ul
Definition
A trial that is terminated before its conclusion and declared void due to a procedural error, a deadlocked jury, or another significant irregularity.
Etymology
The word is a compound of the Middle English prefix 'mis-', meaning 'wrongly', and 'trial', which comes from the Old French 'trier', meaning 'to pick or cull'. It has been used in legal contexts since the 17th century to describe a trial that fails to reach a valid conclusion.
In the news
The article explains that if the jurors remain unable to reach a unanimous verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial, effectively ending the current proceedings without a resolution.
Lindsay Clancy jury say they can't agree on verdict for a second time
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