Editing Guide to trials (section)

== Mistrial ==
A ''mistrial'' occurs when a trial violates the right procedures. If a mistrial is sustained, the trial ends before a verdict is declared. This does not mean the case is closed, however. Instead, a ''retrial'' will be necessary to reach a verdict. A few of the most common causes of a mistrial:

'''Conflict of Interests:''' If the Judge or a member of the Jury is directly involved in the case, they may be incapable of delivering an impartial verdict. If the Prosecutor has something to gain with a Not Guilty verdict or the Defence Attorney with a Guilty verdict, they are incapable of carrying out their assigned job.

'''Hung Jury:''' No, not that kind of hung. If the Jury fails to reach a verdict even after a reasonable amount of time, the trial might go on indefinitely.

'''Tampering:''' If external influence has been exercised on the Judge or the Jury, for instance, bribery or extortion, they will lose their impartiality. Murder falls under Absence.

'''Misconduct:''' If someone present in the Court Room behaves in such a way that it prevents due process, the trial cannot proceed normally. For example when the courtroom suddenly explodes.

'''Absence:''' If one or more people vital to the proceedings are missing, such as either attorney or a Judge, the trial cannot proceed normally. It might be a good idea to double-check the crew monitor and morgue.