Not all trials end with a verdict of guilty or not guilty. Our law requires all twelve jurors to come to a unanimous (agreed) verdict. If they cannot agree then it is called a hung jury and there is no verdict.

The accused may then face a retrial at a later date with a different jury. In some cases the prosecution may decide that the evidence isn't strong enough to proceed with a further trial. More serious crimes are likely to be retried. If so, you will probably have to give evidence at the second trial.

In rare cases, the evidence may be so weak that a judge will direct the jury to find the accused not guilty. This is called a verdict by direction.

In other cases the trial may be stopped (aborted). This can happen for a number of reasons, but most commonly because the jury hears inadmissible or prejudicial evidence. It can also happen when certain information about the trial or the accused is broadcast on television or radio, or is reported in newspapers. The law prohibits the publication of material, which may influence the outcome of a trial. For example, a media report may give details about an accused’s prior convictions or an opinion about an accused or witness that would not be allowed to be heard by the jury in court. Where a trial is aborted it will have be stood over to another day. You will have to give your evidence again.