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

Explanation

When a judge cancels a trial, she declares a mistrial. In other words, she decides that some mistake has been made and the trial must begin again from the start, with a new jury. There are several reasons that a judge might declare a mistrial, including a hung jury, which is when the jury can't come to a unanimous decision. There might also be misconduct by an attorney, or improperly introduced evidence. A mistrial usually means having to start all over again. The noun mistrial begins with the prefix mis-, which comes from Old English and means "bad or wrong."

Example Sentences

"I don't think that we're even remotely close to the issue of a mistrial."

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Then on Thursday, a detective on the case told prosecutors he believed a recording played during questioning made mention of “off-duty,” which also prompted Delcid’s attorney to again request a mistrial.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

A jury acquitted Edwards on one charge and deadlocked on the others, causing a mistrial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

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 • Sep. 3, 2025

The jury was unable to reach a consensus regarding the felony murder charge, and a mistrial was declared on that count.

From "Dear Martin" by Nic Stone