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 Montana Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge, also known as the Montana Modified Allen Charge, is a legal instruction given to a jury in the state of Montana when they are deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This charge aims to encourage the jurors to continue deliberating and strive for a unanimous decision. The Modified Allen Charge is a specialized instruction that takes its name from the landmark case Allen v. United States. It is designed to address situations where the jury is at an impasse and helps promote further discussion and dialogue among jurors. This instruction can only be given by the judge after determining that the jury is indeed deadlocked and any further deliberations would not be productive. The terms "Modified Allen Charge," "Allen Charge," and "Modified Allen Instruction" are often used interchangeably and refer to the same legal concept. The instruction typically informs the jurors that it is their duty as responsible citizens to make every effort to reach a unanimous consensus. The judge may emphasize the importance of reconsidering individual opinions, remaining respectful towards each other's viewpoints, and listening and considering the arguments of fellow jurors. Although the specific content of the Modified Allen Charge can vary depending on the judge, some commonly used keywords and phrases might include: deadlocked jury, unanimous verdict, further deliberations, responsible citizens, reconsider opinions, respectful dialogue, reconsideration of viewpoints, listening and considering arguments, mutual understanding, fair and impartial decision-making, juror independence, duty to reach a verdict, and persistence in deliberations. It is important to note that there may be different variations or versions of the Modified Allen Charge used in practice, as each judge has some discretion in tailoring the instruction to fit the specific circumstances of the case. However, the overall purpose of the charge remains the same — to encourage jurors to continue their efforts to reach a unanimous decision and promote a fair and just resolution of the case at hand.
The Montana Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge, also known as the Montana Modified Allen Charge, is a legal instruction given to a jury in the state of Montana when they are deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This charge aims to encourage the jurors to continue deliberating and strive for a unanimous decision. The Modified Allen Charge is a specialized instruction that takes its name from the landmark case Allen v. United States. It is designed to address situations where the jury is at an impasse and helps promote further discussion and dialogue among jurors. This instruction can only be given by the judge after determining that the jury is indeed deadlocked and any further deliberations would not be productive. The terms "Modified Allen Charge," "Allen Charge," and "Modified Allen Instruction" are often used interchangeably and refer to the same legal concept. The instruction typically informs the jurors that it is their duty as responsible citizens to make every effort to reach a unanimous consensus. The judge may emphasize the importance of reconsidering individual opinions, remaining respectful towards each other's viewpoints, and listening and considering the arguments of fellow jurors. Although the specific content of the Modified Allen Charge can vary depending on the judge, some commonly used keywords and phrases might include: deadlocked jury, unanimous verdict, further deliberations, responsible citizens, reconsider opinions, respectful dialogue, reconsideration of viewpoints, listening and considering arguments, mutual understanding, fair and impartial decision-making, juror independence, duty to reach a verdict, and persistence in deliberations. It is important to note that there may be different variations or versions of the Modified Allen Charge used in practice, as each judge has some discretion in tailoring the instruction to fit the specific circumstances of the case. However, the overall purpose of the charge remains the same — to encourage jurors to continue their efforts to reach a unanimous decision and promote a fair and just resolution of the case at hand.