A Level Law Practice Exam

What must be done if a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision?

1. They must accept the majority verdict if possible

2. The judge will declare a mistrial

3. They have to reconvene at a later date

4. The case will automatically be retried

The correct answer is: They must accept the majority verdict if possible

In cases where a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, the correct procedure is to accept a majority verdict if the jurisdiction allows it. Many legal systems provide for majority verdicts to promote efficiency in the judicial process and avoid the inconvenience of a retrial in situations where a consensus cannot be reached after considerable deliberation. This option allows the jury to deliver a verdict based on the majority opinion, which is seen as a practical resolution to the impasse. In contrast, if the legal framework does not permit majority verdicts, the judge may declare a mistrial. However, this would not apply if majority verdicts are an option, making the acceptance of a majority verdict the primary response in contexts where such a resolution is permitted. The other choices, such as reconvening the jury at a later date or automatically retrying the case, are typically less common and would depend on specific circumstances dictated by court discretion and jurisdictional rules. Hence, the acceptance of a majority verdict is often the most appropriate and efficient response when a jury cannot come to a unanimous conclusion.