Allegheny Pennsylvania Jury Instruction - Modified Allen Charge

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• County: Allegheny
• 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. Allegheny Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction given to a jury in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during a trial to encourage and facilitate reaching a unanimous verdict. This instruction, also known as the Allen Charge or the Dynamite Charge, is used when the jury has indicated that they are deadlocked or unable to reach a decision. The Modified Allen Charge aims to break the impasse among jurors and encourages them to reconsider their positions, engage in open-minded discussions, and strive to reach a unanimous decision. This instruction emphasizes the importance of listening to the arguments presented, respecting each other's opinions, and reevaluating their individual stances in light of the evidence and legal instructions. Keywords: Allegheny Pennsylvania, jury instruction, Modified Allen Charge, trial, unanimous verdict, deadlocked jury, Dynamite Charge, impasse, open-minded discussions, reconsideration, evidence, legal instructions. Different variations or types of the Modified Allen Charge may include: 1. Standard Modified Allen Charge: This type of Modified Allen Charge is the standard version used in Allegheny County. It contains instructions specific to the case at hand while incorporating the essential elements of encouraging unanimity and respectful deliberations among jurors. 2. Modified Allen Charge with Supplemental Instructions: In certain complex cases, the Modified Allen Charge may be accompanied by additional supplemental instructions. These instructions provide further guidance specific to the intricacies of the case, ensuring that jurors have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the legal standards that must be met. 3. Modified Allen Charge with Individual Polling: In some instances, the Modified Allen Charge may include individual polling of jurors. After the supplemental instructions, the judge asks each juror individually about their current position or if they have undergone any changes in their opinions. This type of Modified Allen Charge aims to ensure that every juror has the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings on the matter. 4. Modified Allen Charge with Time Limit: When the jury seems deadlocked but has been deliberating for an extended period, the Modified Allen Charge may be given with a time limit. The judge may inform the jurors that they have a specific amount of time left to reach a verdict before further action is taken, such as declaring a mistrial or seeking alternative resolutions. 5. Modified Allen Charge — Multiple Attempts: If the initial Modified Allen Charge does not result in a unanimous verdict, the judge may provide a second or subsequent Modified Allen Charge before considering further actions. Multiple attempts may be made to encourage jurors to collaborate, reconsider their positions, and strive for a unanimous verdict. It is important to note that the specific types and variations of the Modified Allen Charge used in Allegheny County may vary depending on the judge presiding over the case and the specific circumstances of each trial.

Allegheny Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction given to a jury in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania during a trial to encourage and facilitate reaching a unanimous verdict. This instruction, also known as the Allen Charge or the Dynamite Charge, is used when the jury has indicated that they are deadlocked or unable to reach a decision. The Modified Allen Charge aims to break the impasse among jurors and encourages them to reconsider their positions, engage in open-minded discussions, and strive to reach a unanimous decision. This instruction emphasizes the importance of listening to the arguments presented, respecting each other's opinions, and reevaluating their individual stances in light of the evidence and legal instructions. Keywords: Allegheny Pennsylvania, jury instruction, Modified Allen Charge, trial, unanimous verdict, deadlocked jury, Dynamite Charge, impasse, open-minded discussions, reconsideration, evidence, legal instructions. Different variations or types of the Modified Allen Charge may include: 1. Standard Modified Allen Charge: This type of Modified Allen Charge is the standard version used in Allegheny County. It contains instructions specific to the case at hand while incorporating the essential elements of encouraging unanimity and respectful deliberations among jurors. 2. Modified Allen Charge with Supplemental Instructions: In certain complex cases, the Modified Allen Charge may be accompanied by additional supplemental instructions. These instructions provide further guidance specific to the intricacies of the case, ensuring that jurors have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the legal standards that must be met. 3. Modified Allen Charge with Individual Polling: In some instances, the Modified Allen Charge may include individual polling of jurors. After the supplemental instructions, the judge asks each juror individually about their current position or if they have undergone any changes in their opinions. This type of Modified Allen Charge aims to ensure that every juror has the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings on the matter. 4. Modified Allen Charge with Time Limit: When the jury seems deadlocked but has been deliberating for an extended period, the Modified Allen Charge may be given with a time limit. The judge may inform the jurors that they have a specific amount of time left to reach a verdict before further action is taken, such as declaring a mistrial or seeking alternative resolutions. 5. Modified Allen Charge — Multiple Attempts: If the initial Modified Allen Charge does not result in a unanimous verdict, the judge may provide a second or subsequent Modified Allen Charge before considering further actions. Multiple attempts may be made to encourage jurors to collaborate, reconsider their positions, and strive for a unanimous verdict. It is important to note that the specific types and variations of the Modified Allen Charge used in Allegheny County may vary depending on the judge presiding over the case and the specific circumstances of each trial.