mistrial

[mis-trahy-uhl, -trahyl]

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.

mistrial

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mistrial¹

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

Example Sentences

If you’re a regular consumer of courtroom dramas, you might think a split verdict would mean a mistrial, and today it would.

From Salon

Contreras said Singh was so shaken by the encounter that his attorneys pushed the judge to declare a mistrial on the grounds that Morales was trying to intimidate a party to the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Just two days after the trial began on 23 April, a mistrial was declared by Justice Carroccia after an interaction between a jury member and one of the defence lawyers.

From BBC

Combs's legal team had requested a mistrial should the juror be dismissed.

From BBC

The third count, which ended in a mistrial, involved actress Jessica Mann.

From Salon