If a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, what is this known as?

When a jury cannot agree on a verdict after deliberation, this situation is referred to as a hung jury. A hung jury indicates that the jurors are deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous decision on the guilt or innocence of the defendant. This outcome can lead to a mistrial, meaning that the case may need to be retried with a new jury.

This term arises from the expectation that juries will come to a consensus, which is essential in the legal system to ensure fair trials. When they fail to do so, it underscores the complexities and challenges present during jury deliberations, potentially prolonging legal proceedings.

In contrast, a verdict refers to the formal decision made by a jury, dismissal pertains to a case being dismissed by the court for various reasons, and pleading the Fifth refers to a person's right to avoid self-incrimination during legal proceedings. Each of these terms represents distinct legal concepts, but they do not capture the specific scenario of jurors being unable to reach an agreement, which is encapsulated by the term hung jury.