Fairfax Virginia Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a crucial legal instruction given to the jury during a trial in Fairfax, Virginia. This instruction serves to encourage jurors to continue their deliberations in order to reach a unanimous decision. It is relevant in criminal and civil cases alike. The Modified Allen Charge, also known as the Modified Allen Instruction, was first introduced in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Allen v. United States. It aims to prevent a hung jury or mistrial by urging jurors to reconsider their opinions and engage in a more open-minded dialogue. In Fairfax, Virginia, there are different variations of the Modified Allen Charge, including: 1. General Modified Allen Charge: This is the standard instruction given to a jury when they indicate that they are deadlocked or unable to achieve a unanimous decision. The judge would remind the jurors of their duty to deliberate further and carefully consider the evidence and arguments presented. 2. Modified Allen Charge for Criminal Cases: When a criminal trial jury expresses difficulty in reaching a unanimous verdict, this modified charge emphasizes the importance of closer examination of evidence, exercising patience, and extensive discussion to ensure justice is served for both the defendant and the victim. 3. Modified Allen Charge for Civil Cases: In civil cases, where jurors need to determine liability or damages, this instruction highlights the significance of reaching a unanimous decision based on the preponderance of evidence presented. The judge may remind jurors of their duty to weigh facts objectively and deliberate effectively. The Fairfax Virginia Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is carefully crafted to balance the interests of both the prosecution/plaintiff and the defense. It provides an opportunity for every juror to reconsider their position, fostering a deliberative environment that encourages compromise without undermining individual juror independence. The instruction reminds jurors that reasonable doubt is not the same as mere doubt, and they must strive for a just verdict beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases. In civil cases, the instruction elucidates the need for a preponderance of evidence.