What Happens with a Hung Jury in a Criminal Case?
A hung jury is a situation where a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a deadlocked or impasse. It is a common occurrence in criminal cases, and the consequences can be significant for both the prosecution and the defense. In this article, we will explore the implications of a hung jury in a criminal case.
What is a Hung Jury?
A hung jury occurs when a jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict, meaning not all jurors agree on guilt or innocence. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as differing opinions on the evidence presented, conflicting witness testimony, or jurors’ personal beliefs and biases.
Reactions to a Hung Jury
When a hung jury is declared, the presiding judge typically releases the jurors from their duty to deliberate further. The prosecution and defense teams will then file motions to retry the case or seek a mistrial.
Retrial:
- If the court grants a retrial, the case will be relitigated, and the jury will be reformed with new jurors.
- The prosecution and defense may present new evidence, modify their strategies, or continue with the same evidence presented in the original trial.
Mistrial:
- If the court grants a mistrial, the case will be dismissed without a verdict, and the defendant will be released.
- A mistrial with prejudice means that the state cannot retry the case; a mistrial without prejudice allows the state to refile charges.
Jury Selection
In situations where a hung jury has occurred, the court may consider the following options during jury selection:
- Striking for cause: The court can dismiss potential jurors who may have conflicts or biases that could prevent them from reaching a unanimous verdict.
- Strike for peremptory grounds: The prosecution and defense can dismiss a certain number of jurors without providing reason, as long as their strikes are not based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics.
Factors Influencing Jury Decisions
Several factors can influence a jury’s decision-making process, including:
- Juror diversity: A diverse jury composition can lead to more conflicting opinions and a higher risk of a hung jury.
- Evidence quality: Weak or unreliable evidence may lead to jurors having varying opinions on the defendant’s guilt or innocence.
- Prosecution and defense strategies: Aggressive tactics or overly complex arguments may confuse jurors and lead to a hung jury.
Statistics on Hung Juries
According to the National Registry of Exonerations, between 1989 and 2019, around 10% of death penalty cases ended in hung juries. In murder cases, hung juries occur at a rate of around 15-20%.
Case Examples of Hung Juries
Here are a few notable cases where hung juries occurred:
- The Trial of O.J. Simpson: In 1995, the jury in Simpson’s murder trial deadlocked 10-2 in favor of acquittal. The case was later tried again, and Simpson was acquitted.
- The Trial of Casey Anthony: In 2011, the jury in Anthony’s murder trial deadlocked 3-3, with one juror holding out for a conviction. Anthony was later acquitted.
Conclusion
A hung jury is a common occurrence in criminal cases, and it can have significant consequences for both the prosecution and defense. The outcome of the case will depend on whether the court grants a retrial or a mistrial. Understanding the factors influencing jury decisions and the process of jury selection can help attorneys and jurors navigate this complex issue.
