What does it mean when a jury is described as hung?

When a jury is described as hung, it specifically means that they could not reach a verdict. This situation occurs when the jurors are deadlocked and unable to come to a consensus on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. A hung jury often results in a mistrial, which means the case may be retried with a new jury or resolved through a plea agreement or other legal means.

This term captures the essence of the jurors' inability to agree, highlighting how crucial it is for a jury to reach a decision in criminal cases, where a unanimous verdict is typically required. The frustration of the jurors in a hung situation emphasizes the importance of deliberation and collective decision-making in the legal process, especially when the stakes are so high.