A trial ended by the judge because of a major problem, such as a prejudicial statement by one of the attorneys.

• A. Direct examination
• B. Mistrial
• C. Pattern jury instructions
• D. Writ of execution

Answer: (B)

A mistrial occurs when a trial is terminated because something has happened that prevents a fair proceeding, such as a prejudicial remark by an attorney. When the judge sees that prejudice or another serious irregularity taints the proceedings, the proper remedy is to halt the trial and start over with a new jury if the case is to proceed. This protects the parties’ rights to a fair trial.

Direct examination is simply the phase where a party questions its own witnesses; it does not in itself end the trial. Pattern jury instructions are standard directions given to the jury about how to judge the facts and deliberate; they don’t terminate a trial. A writ of execution is a post-judgment tool used to collect money after a verdict, not a mechanism to stop a trial.