Allen Charge

The Allen Charge is a legal instruction given by a judge to a deadlocked jury, encouraging them to continue deliberating in hopes of reaching a unanimous decision. It aims to motivate jurors to reconsider their positions and engage in open discussions, without coercing them to abandon their principles. The instruction typically emphasizes the importance of reaching a consensus while respecting differing viewpoints. This process helps prevent a mistrial when jurors can't agree on a verdict. Ultimately, the Allen Charge seeks to facilitate a resolution and uphold the judicial process.