mistrial

American  

[mis-trahy-uhl, -trahyl] / mɪsˈtraɪ əl, -ˈtraɪl /

noun

Law.

1. a trial terminated without conclusion on the merits of the case because of some error in the proceedings.

2. an inconclusive trial, as where the jury cannot agree.

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mistrial British  

/ mɪsˈtraɪəl /

noun

1. a trial made void because of some error, such as a defect in procedure

2. (in the US) an inconclusive trial, as when a jury cannot agree on a verdict

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Etymology

Origin of mistrial

First recorded in 1620–30; mis- ¹ + trial

Example Sentences

“If it goes on, I will have no choice but to grant a mistrial,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pollack has also secured the acquittal of a former Enron executive and won back-to-back mistrials for a chicken company executive accused of price fixing.

From The Wall Street Journal

A mistrial was declared Monday in the trial of former New York state aide Linda Sun as jurors deadlocked over allegations that she became rich from acting as a Chinese agent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Elliott faced a possible maximum sentence of 21 years in state prison if convicted, but on Wednesday, Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger declared a mistrial after the jury could not reach a consensus.

From Los Angeles Times

The Angels complained that two weeks might not be long enough to present their case, giving the plaintiffs an unfair advantage, even suggesting the issue could lead to a mistrial.

From Los Angeles Times