mistrial
LowFormal, Legal
Definition
Meaning
A trial that is invalid due to a procedural error or because the jury cannot reach a verdict.
More broadly, any legal proceeding or process that is rendered invalid and terminated before its conclusion due to a significant defect, irregularity, or inability to proceed fairly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A 'mistrial' is a procedural outcome, not a judgment on guilt or innocence. It typically results in the case being retried from the beginning. The term carries a neutral-to-negative connotation, implying a failure in the trial process itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The legal procedures for declaring a mistrial may vary between jurisdictions, but the term is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects. It denotes a serious procedural failure in a court of law.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media due to higher visibility of jury trials, but the term is standard in all Common Law legal systems.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Judge/Court] declared a mistrial in [case][Defense/Prosecution] moved for a mistrial on the grounds of [reason]The [error/deadlock] resulted in a mistrial.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to be) a mistrial in the making”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in high-stakes negotiations or audits that collapse due to procedural issues.
Academic
Common in legal studies, criminology, and political science discussing judicial processes.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when discussing high-profile court cases in news or entertainment.
Technical
Core term in legal practice, denoting a specific judicial ruling that nullifies a trial.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The judge said it was a mistrial.
- The lawyer asked for a mistrial because of the new evidence.
- A mistrial was declared after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.
- The appellate court upheld the decision to grant a mistrial due to the prosecutor's grievous misconduct, which had irrevocably prejudiced the proceedings.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIS (wrong/bad) + TRIAL. A trial that went wrong and must be stopped.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BROKEN MACHINE (the trial process malfunctions and must be reset).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'судебная ошибка' (judicial error), which is broader. A mistrial is a specific ruling. The closer term is 'недействительное судебное разбирательство' or 'аннулированный процесс'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as two words: 'mis trial'. It is one word.
- Using it to mean an 'unfair trial' rather than a procedurally invalid one.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary consequence of a mistrial?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A mistrial declares the original trial invalid. It does not constitute a verdict of innocence or guilt. The case may be retried.
Typically, only the presiding judge in the case can declare a mistrial, either on their own motion or in response to a motion from the defence or prosecution.
A 'hung jury' (jury deadlock) is one of the most common reasons. Other frequent reasons include significant procedural errors, misconduct by an attorney, juror misconduct, or the discovery of new, crucial evidence mid-trial.
Yes, although it is uncommon. If successive trials result in mistrials, the prosecution may eventually decide to drop the charges, often depending on the reason for the mistrial and the legal principle of 'double jeopardy' which does not apply in this context as no verdict was reached.