Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

Mistrial

Read a random definition: ex equitate

A quick definition of Mistrial:

Term: Mistrial

Definition: A mistrial happens when a jury can't agree on a verdict, or when something goes wrong during a trial that makes it unfair. When this happens, the judge stops the trial and there has to be a new trial with a new jury or judge.

Category: Courts and Procedure

A more thorough explanation:

Mistrial

A mistrial happens when a trial is stopped before a verdict is reached. This can happen for two reasons:

  1. The jury can't agree on a verdict, so a new trial with a new jury is needed.
  2. There is a serious mistake or unfair behavior during the trial that would make it impossible to have a fair verdict. In this case, the judge stops the trial and orders a new one.

For example, if a juror talks to someone about the case outside of the courtroom, that could be considered unfair behavior. If the judge finds out, they might declare a mistrial and order a new trial with a new jury.

In a criminal trial, the jury can't agree on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. They deliberate for several days, but still can't come to a decision. The judge declares a mistrial and orders a new trial with a new jury.

In another trial, a witness gives testimony that is later found to be false. The defense lawyer argues that this testimony unfairly influenced the jury's decision. The judge agrees and declares a mistrial, ordering a new trial with a new jury.

These examples show how a mistrial can happen when there are problems with the trial that make it impossible to reach a fair verdict.

Mistake of Law | Misunderstanding

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:33
i could really use some fried chicken right now
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:34
kfc or popeyes
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:34
or korean with gochujang
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:35
i might order some gochujang sauce on amazon and cook some air fried chicken breast filets, they’re really good
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
22:35
just letting you guys know :)
0:14
Where I can find the definition of the false-endowment?
11:14
@Mohammed: False-endowment?
12:05
guys, im making a public speaking with the topic of personal choice in nuisance. Can you give me what to talk about
babybunny
12:47
what does this mean? you get to pick a topic but it has to be about nuisances?
13:16
Yeah I also don’t know what this means ngl
Obtainingdreams
14:58
Do you think you can use being on the Harvard Wl to ask for more money? Like say you'll withdraw if they give you more?
16:14
@Obtainingdreams: Unlikely
16:19
If 1 in 10 Harvard waitlistees in their class of 2027 get into HLS (average A % off the HLS waitlist), the school is better served by offering that student more $ than offering the other 9 in 10 more $ than they have to and the one that gets into HLS less than they need to
what do you guys think about the HLS WL? DO you think they're gonna give out a decent amount of A's still?
17:15
no
[] ararara
17:38
Thanks JB 🦸‍♀️! For everybody out there stressing law school decisions, hang in there!
What do people think about ND
18:42
@NaughtyTeenyWeenyPebble: Looking at last cycle's stats, 16 people logged the date of their HLS waitlist offer and 6 of those were made by 5/19 (the other 10 came later). It's a small sample, and every cycle is different, but it's entirely possible more WL offers are coming
babybunny
18:52
ban me again, for old times’ sake? 😘
I deposited at Columbia but I just want to know if I should start looking for apartments or if I'm going to get an offer from harvard. so stressful
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
20:02
you kind of have to be ready to drop everything for harvard while going forward with apartments for columbia
20:50
Is it worth writing a second LOCI for HLS?
KnowledgeableRitzyWasp
21:06
you want to write an loci about once a month
[] abbas24
22:33
best tips for studying for Lsat and Applications going into senior year? feel like im so behind but know thats just my mind
[] abbas24
22:34
also tips while having a lower than outstanding gpa? My records show great progression though
22:47
1. Spend the time on the LSAT early, if you can hit your target score this summer it will free up lots of time for essays etc. later when things are busy
22:50
2. Depending on the schools you're looking at, being at/above LSAT median can be enough. The higher you can get your GPA, the better, but half the class is going to be at/below each median - that's how medians work
22:52
If you're above a median (particularly LSAT median) and the other stat isn't way below, numbers alone won't keep you out. Past that point, softs/essays/recs are what gets you in.
22:54
YMMV, it will matter what "lower than outstanding" means (3.7? 3.3?)
22:59
And what schools you're thinking of
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.