A trial that ends without a judgment a judgment being issued either due to (i) a mistake in court that prevents a party from having a fair trial, or (ii) the jury cannot agree on a verdict (commonly known as a hung jury). In civil cases, a judge may declare a mistrial and will set another date for a new trial. In criminal cases, mistrials will result in a potential retrial and frequently result in a plea bargain or dismissal of charges.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
An erroneous, Invalid, or nugatory trial; a trial of an action which cannot stand in law because of want of jurisdiction, or a wrong drawing of jurors, or disregard of some other fundamental requisite.