Civil Allen Charge is a specific instruction given by judges to jury members in civil cases. This instruction informs the jury of the importance of reaching a verdict and encourages them to reconsider their positions in an effort to reach a consensus. The Civil Allen Charge is sometimes referred to as the "dynamite charge," as it is seen as a last-ditch effort to break an impasse in the jury's deliberation. There are two types of Civil Allen Charge: the standard Allen Charge and the modified Allen Charge. The standard Allen Charge is the more commonly used form, and instructs jurors to re-examine their opinions and to consider the opinions of others. The modified Allen Charge is more directive, and provides jurors with additional information on their legal duties while encouraging them to reach a verdict.