The recent criminal trial of famous Actor Bill Cosby ended in a hung jury. A hung jury occurs when the jury cannot unanimously agree on whether a defendant is innocent or guilty. That’s a requirement in most states in criminal cases. In civil cases however, only a majority is required.

When a Judge determines that a jury will be unable to reach a verdict, he or she will declare the jury hung. The Prosecution then has to decide whether to retry the case and start all over. The factors they must consider are whether they are likely to prevail with a fresh jury, the expense to the State and the further impact on witnesses and alleged victims. I predict that there is another trial looming in Mr. Cosby’s future.