A mistrial is a trial that ends without reaching a verdict due to procedural errors, jury misconduct, hung jury (jurors cannot agree), or other problems preventing fair proceedings. When a mistrial is declared, the case may be tried again with a new jury. Mistrials represent significant costs in time and resources for the justice system. While mistrials occur in provincial and federal courts rather than municipal proceedings, understanding the justice system helps citizens appreciate how legal processes work. Municipal matters like bylaw violations rarely involve jury trials and thus don't face mistrial situations, being handled instead through provincial courts or administrative tribunals.