What does a "hung jury" refer to?

A "hung jury" refers to a situation where the jury is unable to reach a unanimous decision regarding the verdict due to differing opinions among its members. This deadlock prevents the jury from fulfilling its duty to reach a conclusion about the defendant's guilt or innocence. The inability to agree on a verdict often necessitates further legal proceedings, which can include a retrial or a mistrial being declared by the judge.

In contexts like prosecution and adjudication, understanding the implications of a hung jury is crucial, as it can significantly affect the outcome of a case and the legal strategies employed thereafter. This state of indecision reflects the challenges juries sometimes face when deliberating complex evidence or when the case is particularly contentious.