What is the implication of a 'hung jury' in legal terms?

• A. It clears the defendant of all charges
• B. It indicates a mistrial with no verdict reached
• C. It results in a new judge being assigned to the case
• D. It allows for a summary judgment to be issued

Answer: (B)

A 'hung jury' refers to a situation in which jurors are unable to reach a unanimous decision regarding the guilt or innocence of the defendant. This lack of consensus means that no verdict can be reached, thereby leading to a mistrial. The implication of a hung jury is significant, as it indicates that the trial has not concluded with a definitive outcome, leaving the matter unresolved. In such cases, the prosecution can decide whether to retry the case with a new jury or to drop the charges altogether. The key aspect here is that a hung jury does not determine the defendant's guilt or innocence but results in a legal stalemate, necessitating further legal proceedings.