Mistrial: meaning, definitions and examples
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mistrial
[ ˈmɪstraɪəl ]
legal situation
A mistrial is a trial that is invalid due to a significant error or misconduct that affects the proceedings. This can occur for several reasons, such as juror misconduct, procedural errors, or the inability of the jury to reach a unanimous verdict. When a mistrial is declared, the case may be retried at a later date. Mistrials prevent unjust outcomes and ensure that the legal process is followed correctly.
Synonyms
cancelled trial, failed trial, invalid trial.
Examples of usage
- The jury was unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
- Due to juror misconduct, the judge declared a mistrial.
- The prosecution's error in evidence handling led to the mistrial.
- After several delays, the court set a new date for the retrial following the mistrial.
Translations
Translations of the word "mistrial" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mistrial
🇮🇳 अन्यायपूर्ण परीक्षण
🇩🇪 Mistrial
🇮🇩 mistrial
🇺🇦 недійсний судовий процес
🇵🇱 mistrial
🇯🇵 ミストライアル
🇫🇷 mistrial
🇪🇸 juicio nulo
🇹🇷 mistrial
🇰🇷 무효 재판
🇸🇦 محاكمة باطلة
🇨🇿 mistrial
🇸🇰 mistrial
🇨🇳 无效审判
🇸🇮 mistrial
🇮🇸 mistrial
🇰🇿 жарамсыз сот
🇬🇪 არასწორი სასამართლო პროცესი
🇦🇿 şərti məhkəmə
🇲🇽 juicio nulo
Etymology
The term 'mistrial' originates from the combination of the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly' and the word 'trial', which comes from the Latin word 'trialis', meaning 'pertaining to a trial'. This construction highlights the notion of a trial that has gone awry or failed to produce a valid outcome. The usage of 'mistrial' in legal contexts has been documented since the late 19th century, as legal systems sought to establish clear definitions concerning improper trials. The concept became increasingly significant in legal discourse throughout the 20th century, particularly in relation to jury-based cases. Legal scholars continue to debate the implications of mistrials for justice and the judicial process.