hung jury

noun

1. a jury that cannot agree on a verdict.

hung jury

1. A jury that is unable to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty. The result is a mistrial, and legal proceedings must be reinitiated to bring the case to trial again. Trying the case a second time does not constitute double jeopardy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hung jury¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

“The court finds that these two pieces of evidence presented here would have not have resulted in a hung jury nor in the conviction of a lesser instructed offense.”

From Los Angeles Times

The prosecution urged the judge to use an Allen charge, which is a set of instructions given to a hung jury to press its members to reach a unanimous decision.

From BBC

The jury also sent a note Monday morning asking Judge Farber to reread the concept of reasonable doubt and rules of deliberation "especially in terms of avoiding a hung jury".

From BBC

The first trial ended with hung juries for each brother.

From Los Angeles Times

That original trial ended with a hung jury after the Menendez brothers submitted allegations of abuse spanning several years.

From BBC