mistrial
noun
mis·tri·al
ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l 
: a trial that has no legal effect with regard to one or more of the charges brought against the defendant because of some serious error or prejudicial misconduct in the proceedings or a hung jury
Examples of mistrial in a Sentence
The judge declared a mistrial.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ellard’s second trial ended in a mistrial in June 2004.
—
Lexi Carson, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024
Her first conviction was overturned on appeal, leading to a second trial that ended in a mistrial in 2004 due to a hung jury.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024
For example, a lawyer or witness could say something in front of jurors that the judge rules is improper and creates too much prejudice against one side or the other, forcing the judge to declare a mistrial.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
Chan’s first trial ended in a mistrial after his then-attorney fell ill.
— TALKING TAXES: An alliance of civic groups wants to put a measure on the Los Angeles County ballot this fall that would double the sales tax that’s being collected to pay for homeless services.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024
On that basis, Judge Steven Martin granted a mistrial.
—The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024
Ultimately, the judge could let the verdicts stand or declare a mistrial, requiring Fahie to face another trial with a different jury.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024
Taylor’s lawyers asked for a mistrial, but the judge denied the request.
—The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024
Outbursts in Randle’s case are nothing new, and this fracas raises questions about whether Superior Court Judge John W. Kennedy, who is presiding over the case, will declare a mistrial.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
Lexi Carson, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024
Her first conviction was overturned on appeal, leading to a second trial that ended in a mistrial in 2004 due to a hung jury.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024
For example, a lawyer or witness could say something in front of jurors that the judge rules is improper and creates too much prejudice against one side or the other, forcing the judge to declare a mistrial.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
Chan’s first trial ended in a mistrial after his then-attorney fell ill.
— TALKING TAXES: An alliance of civic groups wants to put a measure on the Los Angeles County ballot this fall that would double the sales tax that’s being collected to pay for homeless services.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024
On that basis, Judge Steven Martin granted a mistrial.
—The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024
Ultimately, the judge could let the verdicts stand or declare a mistrial, requiring Fahie to face another trial with a different jury.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024
Taylor’s lawyers asked for a mistrial, but the judge denied the request.
—The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024
Outbursts in Randle’s case are nothing new, and this fracas raises questions about whether Superior Court Judge John W. Kennedy, who is presiding over the case, will declare a mistrial.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mistrial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Mistrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mistrial. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mistrial
noun
mis·tri·al
ˈmis-ˌtrī(-ə)l
: a trial that is cancelled because of an error in the proceedings
Legal Definition
mistrial
noun
mis·tri·al
ˈmis-ˌtrī-əl
: a trial that terminates without a verdict because of error, necessity, prejudicial misconduct, or a hung jury see also manifest necessity compare dismissal sense 2, trial de novo
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