Hung jury
A jury that, despite honest attempts, is unable to reach a verdict by the required voting margin. Often, a hung jury will lead to a retrial of the case. See, e.g. Koon v. United States, 518 US 81 (1996).
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
A jury unable to come to a final decision, resulting in a mistrial. Judges do their best to avoid hung juries, typically sending juries back into deliberations with an assurance (sometimes known as a "dynamite charge") that they will be able to reach a decision if they try harder. If a mistrial is declared, the case is tried again unless the parties settle the case (in a civil case) or the prosecution dismisses the charges or offers a plea bargain (in a criminal case).
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:17 pm
