Deadlocked Jury Law and Legal Definition
Deadlocked Jury is a jury that, despite honest attempts, is unable to reach a verdict by the required voting margin. Often, a deadlocked jury will lead to a retrial of the case. [Koon v. United States, 518 US 81 (1996)].
A jury unable to come to a final decision, resulting in a mistrial. Judges do their best to avoid hung juries, typically sending juries back into deliberations with an assurance (sometimes known as a "dynamite charge") that they will be able to reach a decision if they try harder. If a mistrial is declared, the case is tried again unless the parties settle the case (in a civil case) or the prosecution dismisses the charges or offers a plea bargain (in a criminal case). Deadlocked Jury is also called Hung Jury.
