Hung jury meaning

A hung jury occurs when the jurors cannot unanimously agree on a verdict.


Hung jury definitions

Word backwards gnuh yruj
Part of speech The term "hung jury" is a noun.
Syllabic division hung / ju-ry
Plural The plural of "hung jury" is "hung juries."
Total letters 8
Vogais (1) u
Consonants (6) h,n,g,j,r,y

What is a Hung Jury?

A hung jury refers to a situation in a court case where the jury cannot come to a unanimous decision about the guilt or innocence of the defendant. When this occurs, the jury is deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict. This can happen in both criminal and civil trials and can lead to a mistrial being declared.

Causes of a Hung Jury

There are several reasons why a jury may become deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous decision. These reasons can include strong differences of opinion among jurors, confusion about the instructions given by the judge, or simply an inability to agree on the facts of the case. In some cases, a single juror holding out can result in a hung jury.

Consequences of a Hung Jury

When a jury is unable to reach a verdict and becomes deadlocked, the case is declared a mistrial. This means that the trial must be re-tried with a new jury. It can be a costly and time-consuming process for all parties involved, as the case essentially has to start over from the beginning.

Preventing a Hung Jury

To prevent a hung jury, judges may give additional instructions to the jury or allow them to deliberate for a longer period of time. Some courts also allow for a non-unanimous verdict in certain cases, depending on the jurisdiction. However, ultimately it is up to the jury to try to come to a decision that everyone can agree on.

In conclusion, a hung jury can be a frustrating and disappointing outcome for all involved in a trial. It can lead to a mistrial and the need to start the trial process over again. While it is not a common occurrence, it is important for jurors to take their responsibility seriously and try to reach a verdict that is just and fair.


Hung jury Examples

  1. The high-profile murder trial resulted in a hung jury, leading to a mistrial.
  2. After hours of deliberation, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision and was declared hung.
  3. The lawyers were disappointed when the case ended in a hung jury, prolonging the legal process.
  4. The judge had no choice but to declare a mistrial due to the hung jury.
  5. The defense attorney was hopeful for a hung jury as it meant his client could avoid a conviction.
  6. The announcement of a hung jury left both the prosecution and defense uncertain about the outcome of the case.
  7. Despite their best efforts, the jury remained deadlocked, resulting in a hung jury.
  8. The possibility of a hung jury added tension to an already stressful courtroom atmosphere.
  9. The foreman of the jury informed the judge that they were unable to break the deadlock, leading to a hung jury.
  10. The concept of a hung jury is a common occurrence in legal proceedings that involve complex or controversial issues.


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  • Updated 12/05/2024 - 11:31:46