A deadlocked jury, also known as a hung jury, occurs when jurors are unable to reach a unanimous verdict after honest attempts. This situation often leads to a mistrial, meaning the case may be retried unless the parties involved reach a settlement or the prosecution decides to dismiss the charges or offer a plea deal.
The term "deadlocked jury" is primarily used in the context of criminal and civil trials. In criminal cases, a deadlocked jury can result in a mistrial, allowing the prosecution to retry the case. In civil cases, it may lead to a retrial unless the parties settle. Legal professionals often aim to avoid deadlocked juries by encouraging jurors to continue deliberating, sometimes using an "Allen charge" or "dynamite charge" to motivate them to reach a decision.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(Hypothetical example) In a criminal trial for theft, the jury deliberates for several days but remains split, with six jurors favoring conviction and six favoring acquittal. The judge declares a mistrial due to the deadlocked jury, allowing the prosecution to decide whether to retry the case.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Deadlock Resolution Process |
|---|---|
| California | Judges may provide additional instructions to encourage a verdict. |
| Texas | Jurors may be asked to continue deliberating with a "dynamite charge." |
| New York | Mistrial declared if jurors cannot reach a decision after a reasonable time. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Deadlocked Jury | A jury that cannot reach a verdict, leading to a mistrial. |
| Hung Jury | Another term for a deadlocked jury; no verdict is reached. |
| Mistrial | A trial that is invalid due to a deadlocked jury or other issues. |
If you find yourself involved in a case where a deadlocked jury may occur, it's essential to understand your options. Consider discussing your situation with a legal professional who can provide guidance. Users can also explore US Legal Forms' templates to help manage legal documents related to retrials or settlements.
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
If a jury is deadlocked, the judge may declare a mistrial, and the case may be retried or settled.