Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a legal instruction given to a jury when they are deadlocked or unable to reach a unanimous verdict in a criminal trial. The purpose of this particular instruction is to encourage jurors to reevaluate their positions and engage in further deliberation in order to determine a verdict. The Modified Allen Charge, also known as the "Allen Charge" or the "dynamite charge," is intended to break the impasse by emphasizing the importance of reaching a verdict. This instruction reminds jurors of the importance of the trial and their role in administering justice. It highlights that the judicial system relies on the verdicts reached by juries and that hung juries can lead to additional costs and burden for both the prosecution and the defense. This instruction is named after the 1896 case of Allen v. United States, in which the Supreme Court upheld the use of an instruction reminding jurors of their duty to engage in dialogue and attempt to reach a unanimous decision. However, the Modified Allen Charge differs from the original Allen Charge as it has been modified to address concerns regarding coercion and ensure a fair and balanced approach to the instruction. There are various forms of Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge, each with slight differences in wording and emphasis. Some different types include: 1. Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge Type A: This type emphasizes the importance of cooperation and open-mindedness, urging jurors to consider each other's viewpoints and engage in respectful discussion. 2. Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge Type B: This type emphasizes the individual responsibility of each juror to deliberate sincerely and fully consider the evidence presented in court. 3. Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge Type C: This type includes an additional reminder that jurors should not surrender their honest beliefs solely to reach a unanimous verdict, focusing on the importance of remaining true to one's convictions. It is crucial to note that the use of Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is subject to the judge's discretion and the specific circumstances of a case. The judge will carefully consider the appropriateness and necessity of giving such an instruction, ensuring it does not infringe upon the neutrality and fairness of the deliberation process. Overall, Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge serves as a tool to encourage jurors to examine their own positions, remain open to persuasion, and collaboratively work towards a consensus on a verdict, thereby aiding in the proper functioning of the criminal justice system.