A Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge, also known as a Modified Allen Charge or Allen Charge, refers to a specific instruction given to a jury during deliberations to encourage them to reach a unanimous verdict. This charge is used when the jury is deadlocked or unable to come to a decision, and it aims to inspire further deliberation and consensus among the jurors. The Modified Allen Charge in Rhode Island is derived from the original Allen Charge, which was articulated in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Allen v. United States (1896). It is important to note that the language and specific instructions of the Modified Allen Charge may vary between states and jurisdictions. The objective of the Rhode Island Modified Allen Charge is to motivate the jurors who may be in the minority or have differing opinions to reevaluate the evidence presented and engage in open discussions with the rest of the jury. By utilizing carefully crafted language, the charge seeks to remind jurors of their individual responsibilities and the significance of reaching a unanimous decision in criminal or civil trials. In Rhode Island, there are no specific variations or alternative types of Modified Allen Charges, as the state adheres to the general principles of the charge. However, it is worth noting that Modified Allen Charges can differ in language, emphasis, and length among states or even individual judges. Some variations may include guidelines regarding the quality of evidence, maintaining an open mind, respecting dissenting opinions, and avoiding undue coercion or pressure. The Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a crucial tool in promoting thoughtful deliberation and harmonious decision-making among jurors. By encouraging cooperation and preventing a hung jury, it serves to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the judicial process in Rhode Island courts.