What is a mistrial? Here’s what happens next in Nogales rancher murder trial
The murder trial of Nogales rancher George Alan Kelly ended on Monday in a mistrial.
After more than 15 hours of deliberation over three days, jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the murder case against the rancher who was accused of killing an unarmed migrant on his property.
"They won't wear me down," rancher George Alan Kelly told reporters after the mistrial was declared.
A retrial of the case is yet to be set.
Legal jargon may get confusing so if you would like to understand how we got here, here is what a mistrial is and what happens after.
What is a mistrial?
According to Cornell Law, there are two common instances in which a mistrial can occur:
A jury is unable to reach a verdict after multiple attempts (referred to as a "hung jury").
There is a "serious procedural error or misconduct" that would lead to an unfair trial.
Mistrials may occur in both civil and criminal cases.
What happens after a mistrial?
According to Britannica, in the instance of a mistrial, the trial is considered "void" and terminated.
When a trial is voided, the process to begin a new trial is started with the same parties and charges but a new jury must be chosen.
In a criminal case, the prosecutor can decide to retry the defendant.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What is a mistrial? What to know about Nogales rancher murder trial
