Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction given to a jury in the state of Illinois during criminal trials. The charge is derived from the Supreme Court case Allen v. United States and aims to encourage jurors to reach a unanimous verdict. In Chicago, Illinois, there are three types of Modified Allen Charges that can be used, including: 1. Modified Allen Charge: This instruction is given when the jury is deadlocked or unable to reach a unanimous decision. The modified charge emphasizes the importance of deliberation and asks jurors to reconsider their positions in an effort to promote a verdict. 2. Modified Allen Charge with Dynamite Instruction: In cases where the jury is deadlocked even after giving the modified Allen charge, the court may provide a "dynamite instruction." This instruction advises jurors that a mistrial could result in a retrial and that further jury duty may be prolonged. 3. Modified Allen Charge with Pinpoint Instruction: A pinpoint instruction is used when the court identifies a specific issue or legal element that is causing deadlock among jurors. It aims to address that particular issue and guide jurors towards a resolution. The purpose of the Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is to encourage jurors to engage in further discussion and reevaluate their positions in an effort to reach a unanimous verdict. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, understanding, and respect for differing opinions among members of the jury. The Modified Allen Charge is considered controversial in some legal circles as it may create undue pressure on minority viewpoints and potentially infringe upon the presumption of innocence. However, it is widely used in Chicago, Illinois, as a tool to promote jury deliberation and prevent mistrials. The Modified Allen Charge is just one of many jury instructions utilized in Chicago, Illinois, criminal trials. It is crucial for jurors to carefully consider and follow all jury instructions provided by the judge to ensure a fair and just outcome in criminal cases.