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
It can be confusing.  I’m sorry that they don’t always explain it well in the news.
assistant
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
That’s right.  The next steps will depend on what happens in the case.  You can watch the case as it happens, or just wait to hear about it later on.
assistant
What does it mean when they declare a mistrial?