Phoenix Arizona Jury Instruction - Modified Allen Charge

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• City: Phoenix
• 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. Keywords: Phoenix Arizona, jury instruction, modified Allen charge, types Description: The Modified Allen Charge is a specific type of jury instruction utilized in the state of Phoenix, Arizona. It is employed by judges to encourage jurors who may be deadlocked or unable to reach a unanimous verdict to continue deliberating and strive for consensus. This instruction is given towards the end of jury deliberations, after all the evidence has been presented and the jurors have been engaged in deliberations for a significant period. The purpose of the Modified Allen Charge is to minimize the possibility of a mistrial due to a hung jury and provides a framework for jurors to reexamine their positions and opinions. By addressing potential obstacles to the decision-making process, this charge aims to create an environment that encourages jurors to reconsider their stance and facilitates a fruitful discussion leading to an eventual agreement. In Phoenix, Arizona, there are generally two types of Modified Allen Charges that may be used, based on the circumstances of the case: 1. Traditional Modified Allen Charge: This type of charge typically consists of the judge reminding the jurors of their duty to consider the evidence collectively, emphasizing the importance of reaching a unanimous decision. The judge may also remind the jurors to be open to the opinions of others, while respecting their own initial judgments. 2. Customized Modified Allen Charge: In certain cases, judges in Phoenix, Arizona have the flexibility to tailor the Modified Allen Charge to suit the specific circumstances of the trial. This allows the judge to address any unique challenges or dynamics within the jury, emphasizing points that may resonate with the individual jurors and help them overcome deadlocks. Overall, the Modified Allen Charge serves as a mechanism to motivate and guide jurors towards a unanimous verdict, promoting fair and impartial deliberation. By employing these jury instructions, the court aims to strike a balance between the importance of unanimous jury decisions and the need to avoid mistrials.

Keywords: Phoenix Arizona, jury instruction, modified Allen charge, types Description: The Modified Allen Charge is a specific type of jury instruction utilized in the state of Phoenix, Arizona. It is employed by judges to encourage jurors who may be deadlocked or unable to reach a unanimous verdict to continue deliberating and strive for consensus. This instruction is given towards the end of jury deliberations, after all the evidence has been presented and the jurors have been engaged in deliberations for a significant period. The purpose of the Modified Allen Charge is to minimize the possibility of a mistrial due to a hung jury and provides a framework for jurors to reexamine their positions and opinions. By addressing potential obstacles to the decision-making process, this charge aims to create an environment that encourages jurors to reconsider their stance and facilitates a fruitful discussion leading to an eventual agreement. In Phoenix, Arizona, there are generally two types of Modified Allen Charges that may be used, based on the circumstances of the case: 1. Traditional Modified Allen Charge: This type of charge typically consists of the judge reminding the jurors of their duty to consider the evidence collectively, emphasizing the importance of reaching a unanimous decision. The judge may also remind the jurors to be open to the opinions of others, while respecting their own initial judgments. 2. Customized Modified Allen Charge: In certain cases, judges in Phoenix, Arizona have the flexibility to tailor the Modified Allen Charge to suit the specific circumstances of the trial. This allows the judge to address any unique challenges or dynamics within the jury, emphasizing points that may resonate with the individual jurors and help them overcome deadlocks. Overall, the Modified Allen Charge serves as a mechanism to motivate and guide jurors towards a unanimous verdict, promoting fair and impartial deliberation. By employing these jury instructions, the court aims to strike a balance between the importance of unanimous jury decisions and the need to avoid mistrials.