# mistrial

/ˈmɪsˌtɹaɪəɫ/ (US) · /mɪstɹˈaɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mistrial
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a trial that ends early without a final decision, often because of a serious mistake or because the jury cannot agree. You must start the whole trial again with a new jury.

For teachers: a criminal or civil trial rendered invalid before verdict due to procedural error, misconduct, or a deadlocked jury. Results in no verdict and typically requires retrial with a new jury.

## Examples

- The judge declares a mistrial after the jury disagrees.
- After two jurors admit reading news about the case, the judge declares a mistrial and schedules a new trial.
- The high-profile corruption case ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked after eleven days, forcing prosecutors to decide whether the expense of a retrial was justified.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb 'declare' and is followed by retrial with a new jury.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.