Kentucky Jury Instruction - Modified Allen Charge

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CRT-6
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a model for an Allen Charge, a statement made to the jury by the Judge when the jury is reporting problems reaching an agreement on a verdict. The text is annotated with cases approving the use of the Allen Charge. The Kentucky Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction given to a jury when they are deadlocked or unable to reach a unanimous verdict in a criminal trial. This charge, also known as the Modified Allen Charge or the Modified Allen Instruction, aims to encourage deliberation and a potential resolution amongst jurors. The purpose of the Modified Allen Charge is to remind jurors of their responsibility to carefully consider the evidence presented during the trial and to continue deliberating with an open mind. It emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting each other's opinions, while also respecting the court's need for a verdict. The Modified Allen Charge consists of the judge giving a specific instruction to the jurors, often referred to as the "extra admonition." The instruction typically urges the jurors to carefully review the evidence, reevaluate their positions, and strive to reach a unanimous decision if possible. The instruction also highlights that jurors should not abandon their honest convictions, but rather approach the deliberation process with an open mind and willingness to discuss the issues at hand. Different types of Kentucky Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge exist to suit various scenarios and instances. These may include: 1. Standard Modified Allen Charge: This is the most common form of the instruction and provides a general reminder to jurors about the importance of continuing discussions and striving for unanimity. It emphasizes the need to consider alternative viewpoints while avoiding pressure or coercion. 2. Modified Allen Instruction for Deadlocked Juries: This version of the instruction is employed when the jury explicitly declares being deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. It includes additional language emphasizing the importance of further deliberations to avoid a mistrial or a hung jury. 3. Modified Allen Charge with Cautionary Language: In certain cases, the court may add cautionary language to the instruction to ensure it does not unduly pressure or coerce jurors into reaching a verdict against their genuine beliefs. This modified charge strikes a balance between encouraging further discussions while respecting individual juror autonomy. It is important to note that the availability and specific wording of the Kentucky Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge may vary based on the individual judge, the nature of the case, and the jurisdiction within Kentucky. Legal professionals and jurors must consult the specific instructions provided by the presiding judge in each instance.

The Kentucky Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction given to a jury when they are deadlocked or unable to reach a unanimous verdict in a criminal trial. This charge, also known as the Modified Allen Charge or the Modified Allen Instruction, aims to encourage deliberation and a potential resolution amongst jurors. The purpose of the Modified Allen Charge is to remind jurors of their responsibility to carefully consider the evidence presented during the trial and to continue deliberating with an open mind. It emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting each other's opinions, while also respecting the court's need for a verdict. The Modified Allen Charge consists of the judge giving a specific instruction to the jurors, often referred to as the "extra admonition." The instruction typically urges the jurors to carefully review the evidence, reevaluate their positions, and strive to reach a unanimous decision if possible. The instruction also highlights that jurors should not abandon their honest convictions, but rather approach the deliberation process with an open mind and willingness to discuss the issues at hand. Different types of Kentucky Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge exist to suit various scenarios and instances. These may include: 1. Standard Modified Allen Charge: This is the most common form of the instruction and provides a general reminder to jurors about the importance of continuing discussions and striving for unanimity. It emphasizes the need to consider alternative viewpoints while avoiding pressure or coercion. 2. Modified Allen Instruction for Deadlocked Juries: This version of the instruction is employed when the jury explicitly declares being deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. It includes additional language emphasizing the importance of further deliberations to avoid a mistrial or a hung jury. 3. Modified Allen Charge with Cautionary Language: In certain cases, the court may add cautionary language to the instruction to ensure it does not unduly pressure or coerce jurors into reaching a verdict against their genuine beliefs. This modified charge strikes a balance between encouraging further discussions while respecting individual juror autonomy. It is important to note that the availability and specific wording of the Kentucky Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge may vary based on the individual judge, the nature of the case, and the jurisdiction within Kentucky. Legal professionals and jurors must consult the specific instructions provided by the presiding judge in each instance.