Chapter IX · Trial Procedures Through Findings
R.C.M. 915. Mistrial
2024 Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
See all changes(a) In general. The military judge may, as a matter of discretion, declare a mistrial when such action is manifestly necessary in the interest of justice because of circumstances arising during the proceedings which cast substantial doubt upon the fairness of the proceedings. A mistrial may be declared as to some or all charges, and as to the entire proceedings or as to only the proceedings after findings.
Discussion
The power to grant a mistrial should be used with great caution, under urgent circumstances, and for plain and obvious reasons. As examples, a mistrial may be appropriate when inadmissible matters so prejudicial that a curative instruction would be inadequate are brought to the attention of the members or when members engage in prejudicial misconduct. Also, a mistrial is appropriate when the proceedings must be terminated because of a legal defect, such as a jurisdictional defect or a defective referral. See also R.C.M. 905(g) concerning the effect of rulings in one proceeding on later proceedings.
(b) Procedure. On motion for a mistrial or when it otherwise appears that grounds for a mistrial may exist, the military judge shall inquire into the views of the parties on the matter and then decide the matter as an interlocutory question.
(c) Effect of declaration of mistrial.
(1) Withdrawal of charges. A declaration of a mistrial shall have the effect of withdrawing the affected charges and specifications from the court-martial.
Discussion
Upon declaration of a mistrial, the affected charges are returned to the convening authority, or special trial counsel as applicable, who may refer them anew or otherwise dispose of them. See R.C.M. 401- 407.
(2) Further proceedings. A declaration of a mistrial shall not prevent trial by another court-martial on the affected charges and specifications except when the mistrial was declared after jeopardy attached and before findings, and the declaration was:
(A) An abuse of discretion and without the consent of the defense; or
(B) The direct result of intentional prosecutorial misconduct designed to necessitate a mistrial.