what happens when a jury cannot reach a verdict
What happens when a jury cannot reach a verdict?
Answer: When a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict in a trial, it is referred to as a “hung jury” or “deadlocked jury.” This situation can have several implications and lead to different outcomes depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are the key points to understand:
1. Declaration of a Mistrial:
- If the jury remains deadlocked and cannot come to a unanimous decision after extensive deliberation, the judge may declare a mistrial. This means the trial has not reached a conclusion, and the case is not resolved.
2. Retrial:
- After a mistrial is declared, the prosecution has the option to retry the case. This involves starting the trial process over again with a new jury. The decision to retry the case often depends on the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the evidence, and the likelihood of obtaining a different outcome in a new trial.
3. Plea Bargaining:
- In some cases, the prosecution and defense may enter into plea negotiations following a hung jury. This can result in the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or accepting a specific sentence, thereby avoiding the need for a retrial.
4. Dismissal of Charges:
- The prosecution may also decide to dismiss the charges altogether if they believe that a retrial would not result in a conviction. This could be due to insufficient evidence or other strategic considerations.
5. Jury Instructions and Further Deliberation:
- Before declaring a mistrial, a judge may give additional instructions to the jury, encouraging them to continue deliberating in an attempt to reach a verdict. These instructions, known as “Allen charges” or “dynamite charges,” urge jurors to re-examine their positions and consider the perspectives of other jurors.
6. Impact on the Defendant:
- For the defendant, a hung jury can mean prolonged legal uncertainty. If the case is retried, the defendant remains under the stress and scrutiny of the legal process until a final verdict is reached.
7. Public and Legal Reactions:
- A hung jury can lead to varied public and legal reactions. In high-profile cases, it may spark significant media attention and public debate. Legally, it can prompt discussions about the fairness and effectiveness of the jury system.
Example Scenario:
- Suppose in a criminal trial, a jury is unable to reach a unanimous decision after several days of deliberation. The judge may first provide additional instructions to encourage further discussion. If the jury still cannot agree, the judge might declare a mistrial. The prosecution then decides whether to retry the case, negotiate a plea deal, or dismiss the charges.
In conclusion, when a jury cannot reach a verdict, it leads to a hung jury, which can result in a mistrial, a retrial, plea negotiations, or dismissal of charges. The specific outcome depends on various factors, including the nature of the case and the decisions made by the prosecution and defense.