The South Carolina Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction provided to a jury in a criminal trial when they are deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This charge is also known as the Modified Allen Charge or the Allen Charge in South Carolina. The purpose of the Modified Allen Charge is to encourage jurors to continue deliberating and to strive for a unanimous decision. It is essential to ensure a fair trial and uphold the principles of justice. The charge emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, listening to others' opinions, and making a genuine effort to understand different perspectives. South Carolina recognizes a few variations of the Modified Allen Charge. Some common types include: 1. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge Type 1: This instruction emphasizes that each juror should carefully consider the evidence and freely express their views. It encourages jurors to reevaluate their positions and take into account the opinions of fellow jurors. 2. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge Type 2: This charge reminds jurors that an unresolved case may result in either a mistrial or a trial starting from scratch. It underlines the potential burden and financial impact on the court system, motivating jurors to engage in open dialogue and reach a consensus. 3. South Carolina Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge Type 3: This instruction aims to alleviate any pressure or coercion that jurors may feel to conform to the majority's opinion. It emphasizes the significance of each juror's independent judgment while urging them to actively listen and consider alternative perspectives. The South Carolina Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a tool used by judges to address jury deadlock situations while ensuring a fair trial process. It seeks to balance individual jurors' rights and opinions with the need for a unanimous verdict. By employing the appropriate variation of the charge, judges aim to encourage respectful deliberation, promote collaboration, and ultimately reach a just decision.