Definition

A legal trial that is declared invalid due to serious mistakes or problems during the process, often because the jury cannot reach a decision.

Example

The judge declared a mistrial after the jury could not agree on a verdict.

Conversation

Did you hear about the mistrial in that big court case?

Yeah, I read about it! It’s surprising how often that happens.

I know, right? It must be frustrating for everyone involved.

Definitely! I wonder what the next steps will be for the lawyers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mistrial → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrong or bad) and "trial" (from Old French *trier*, meaning to try or test). A mistrial refers to a trial that has been invalidated due to an error or issue, thus being a 'wrong' or 'bad' trial.

Memory Tip

Think of a trial that goes 'wrong' ('mis-') — that's what a mistrial means.

Visually Confused Words