What does it mean when they declare a mistrial?
What does it mean when they declare a mistrial?
user
The court has declared a mistrial.  There were problems or some irregularities during the trial, so the court isn’t sure it can be fair.
assistant
So can they have the trial again then?
user
Sometimes.  Sometimes the court might just end the trial and declare the defendant not guilty.  Usually it’s something that the court will have to decide before a new trial.  They might ask the defendant whether they want another trial or want the judge to declare them not guilty.
assistant
It is a little confusing.
user