What happens when there is a non-unanimous verdict?

What happens when there is a non-unanimous verdict?

• A. Mistrial
• B. Conviction
• C. Acquittal
• D. Hung Jury

Answer: (A)

The situation tests what happens when the jury can’t reach full agreement. In many criminal trials, guilt or innocence must be decided by a unanimous verdict. When deliberations end without all jurors agreeing, the result is a hung jury—the trial hasn’t produced a verdict. The judge then typically declares a mistrial, ending the current trial without a determination of guilt or innocence. The case can often be tried again with a new jury if the prosecution wants to pursue it. A conviction or acquittal isn’t reached in this scenario because no final verdict is delivered.

The situation tests what happens when the jury can’t reach full agreement. In many criminal trials, guilt or innocence must be decided by a unanimous verdict. When deliberations end without all jurors agreeing, the result is a hung jury—the trial hasn’t produced a verdict. The judge then typically declares a mistrial, ending the current trial without a determination of guilt or innocence. The case can often be tried again with a new jury if the prosecution wants to pursue it. A conviction or acquittal isn’t reached in this scenario because no final verdict is delivered.