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Simple English definitions for legal terms

Mistrial

Read a random definition: South Eastern Reporter

A quick definition of Mistrial:

Term: Mistrial

Definition: A mistrial happens when a jury can't agree on a verdict, or when something goes wrong during a trial that makes it unfair. When this happens, the judge stops the trial and there has to be a new trial with a new jury or judge.

Category: Courts and Procedure

A more thorough explanation:

Mistrial

A mistrial happens when a trial is stopped before a verdict is reached. This can happen for two reasons:

  1. The jury can't agree on a verdict, so a new trial with a new jury is needed.
  2. There is a serious mistake or unfair behavior during the trial that would make it impossible to have a fair verdict. In this case, the judge stops the trial and orders a new one.

For example, if a juror talks to someone about the case outside of the courtroom, that could be considered unfair behavior. If the judge finds out, they might declare a mistrial and order a new trial with a new jury.

In a criminal trial, the jury can't agree on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. They deliberate for several days, but still can't come to a decision. The judge declares a mistrial and orders a new trial with a new jury.

In another trial, a witness gives testimony that is later found to be false. The defense lawyer argues that this testimony unfairly influenced the jury's decision. The judge agrees and declares a mistrial, ordering a new trial with a new jury.

These examples show how a mistrial can happen when there are problems with the trial that make it impossible to reach a fair verdict.

Mistake of Law | Misunderstanding

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HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
Right. Broken links smh
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