Word: Hung Jury
Definition: A "hung jury" is a situation in a legal trial where the jury cannot come to an agreement about whether the person on trial is guilty or not guilty. Because the jury cannot decide, the trial is not finished, which is called a mistrial.
Usage Instructions: - The term "hung jury" is used in legal contexts, especially in discussions about court cases. - You can use it when talking about trials, jury decisions, or legal outcomes.
Example Sentence: - "After several days of deliberation, the jury became a hung jury, and the judge declared a mistrial."
Advanced Usage: - In a more advanced context, you might discuss the implications of a hung jury, such as how it can lead to a retrial or affect public perception of the justice system.
Word Variants: - "Jury" refers to a group of people sworn to make a decision in a legal case. - "Mistrial" is a term used when a trial cannot proceed to a conclusion, often due to a hung jury.
Different Meaning: - The term "hung" can also refer to something being suspended or hanging in a physical sense, but in "hung jury," it specifically relates to the inability to make a decision.
Synonyms: - Mistrial (though this refers to the outcome rather than the jury itself) - Deadlocked jury (another term that describes the same situation)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "hung jury," but understanding phrases like "deadlocked" can be useful in similar contexts.
Summary: A "hung jury" indicates a jury that cannot reach a decision, resulting in a mistrial.