Opinion ID: 2193387
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Examples of manifest necessity

Text: The most common example of `manifest necessity' to grant a mistrial is when a jury is deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict. Grimes, 957 S.W.2d at 224. See Skaggs v. Commonwealth, 694 S.W.2d 672 (Ky.1985), cert. denied, 476 U.S. 1130, 106 S.Ct. 1998, 90 L.Ed.2d 678 (1986); Nichols, supra ; Commonwealth v. Crooks, 655 S.W.2d 475 (Ky.1983). Manifest necessity has also been found when either party introduces improper evidence, or acts in a manner, which prejudices the other's right to a fair trial. Cf. Grimes, 957 S.W.2d 223, 225 (Ky.1997); Chapman v. Richardson, 740 S.W.2d 929 (Ky.1987); Stacy v. Manis, 709 S.W.2d 433 (Ky.1986). It is a party's right to a fair trial, which both guides and constrains us in its use.