mistrial
/mis'traiəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An invalid or inconclusive trial: A "mistrial" is a legal proceeding that is terminated and declared void before a verdict is reached, due to a fundamental error or prejudicial circumstance that prevents a fair outcome. It does not decide the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
Usage
- A "mistrial" is declared by a judge. It is a procedural outcome, not a judgment on the case's merits.
- It results in the trial being nullified. The case may be retried with a new jury, unless barred by double jeopardy rules.
Examples
- Noun:
- The judge declared a mistrial after it was discovered a juror had conducted independent research.
- A mistrial was caused by the prosecutor's improper remarks to the jury.
- The case ended in a mistrial, so the defendant will face a new trial.
Advanced Usage
- "to declare a mistrial": The formal act of a judge ending a trial as invalid.
- The judge had no choice but to declare a mistrial.
- "to result in a mistrial": Describes an event leading to this outcome.
- The procedural error resulted in a mistrial.
Variants and Related Words
- Trial (n): The formal examination of evidence in a court of law.
- Retrial (n): A new trial of a case, often ordered after a mistrial or an appeal.
Synonyms
- Invalid trial: A trial rendered void.
- Aborted trial: A trial that was terminated prematurely.
Antonyms
- Valid trial: A lawfully conducted trial that reaches a verdict.
- Concluded trial: A trial that has reached a final judgment.
Noun
- a trial that is invalid or inconclusive