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Simple English definitions for legal terms

Allen charge

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A quick definition of Allen charge:

Allen charge: A type of instruction given to a jury when they are unable to reach a unanimous verdict. The judge urges the jurors to discuss the case with each other and to consider the evidence impartially. The name comes from a court case where this type of instruction was allowed. Some people think Allen charges put too much pressure on jurors to change their opinions, so not all states allow them.

A more thorough explanation:

An Allen charge is a set of instructions given to a hung jury to encourage them to reach a unanimous verdict. It is also known as a dynamite, nitroglycerin, shotgun, or third-degree charge. The name "Allen" charge comes from the case Allen v. United States (1896) where the Supreme Court ruled that these types of jury instructions were allowed in Federal courts.

Here is an example of a model Allen charge from the Ninth Circuit:

"Members of the jury, you have reported that you have been unable to reach a unanimous verdict in this case. I have decided to suggest a few additional thoughts to you.

As jurors, you have a duty to discuss the case with one another and to deliberate in an effort to reach a unanimous verdict if each of you can do so without violating your individual judgment and conscience. Each of you must decide the case for yourself, but only after you consider the evidence impartially with your fellow jurors. During your deliberations, you should not hesitate to reexamine your own views and change your opinion if you become persuaded that it is wrong. You should not, however, change an honest belief as to the weight or effect of the evidence solely because of the opinions of your fellow jurors or for the mere purpose of returning a verdict.

I also remind you that in your deliberations you are to consider the instructions that I have given you as a whole. You should not single out any part of any instruction, including this one, and ignore others. They are all equally important.

What I have just said is not meant to rush you or pressure you into agreeing on a verdict. Take as much time as you need to discuss things. There is no hurry.

I ask that you now return to the jury room and continue your deliberations with these additional comments in mind."

Allen charges are controversial because some people believe that they put too much pressure on jurors to change their opinions and agree with the majority. Some states do not allow Allen charges, but Federal courts may use them.

The example of the Allen charge given above shows how the judge encourages the jurors to continue deliberating and to consider the evidence impartially. The judge also reminds the jurors that they should not change their opinion just to agree with the majority, but only if they are persuaded that their opinion is wrong. The judge also emphasizes that the jurors should take as much time as they need to discuss the case and that there is no hurry to reach a verdict.

allege | allocution

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NosyBeagle
18:07
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18:12
im a cine2nerdle guy
i need some homies who are applying this fall to proofread each others essays
Im not paying a service to read my essay thats stupid so need some friends
@RasheedWallaceFan: I'm a lit para of a decade, I'd be happy to proof.
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i dont wanna do the lsat
10:35
its so boring
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they should change it to making you write an essay on some foreign film
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like la haine or the apu trilogy or some shit
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that would be more interesting
NosyBeagle
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@NemoPropheta: LSAT haters unite. This test sucks butt
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I got 2 weeks left of this shit and I have 0 motivation
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@RasheedWallaceFan: yeah for some reason SMU isnt listed on any of the rankings lists. Been that way all year
@NemoPropheta: you only got another 40+ years of it!
@PremiumFrequentCrane Is right.
You'll forever have those days where shit ain't getting done. Just a matter of how you handle them. (IE using Chatgpt to draft a motion for leave like meeeee)
NosyBeagle
13:52
look at my lawyer dawg... im going to jail
Nah, I don't use it to do my case law. Just the actual motion drafting.
For example, I was trying to get the right language in a Motion for Sanctions (tl;dr slip and fall case, defense counsel played nothing but games – IE never sending records despite it being mandatory to trcp, producing never before seen records DURING A DEPO) and just talked to ChatGPT about his behavior to provide background to help with the drafting for the procedural paragraph.
@NosyBeagle: just makes me think of vanillamace
@TiredOfThisGrandpa: I dont have LSD+ so cant dm but will def hit you up when I have them done! Also is ur username a reference to holes? lol
Can i get accommodations for mid test 2 hour nap
I mean, i have sadhd
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you could get accommodations for the schizoaffective disorder you clearly have
NosyBeagle
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a two hour nap in between sections would be great for me
ronniedoeslaw
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LSAT isn’t horrible you just have to lock in really hard for 2 hours and expect to be exhausted the rest of the day mentally
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ugh i hit this lady w my car
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well i hit her car and the cops said there's no damage but she says there is should i call my insurance what u think lawyers
real quick question. How much do early applications matter? I have super strong softs and an ok LSAT score of 160. GPA wasn't great at 3.33. I applied in late march and I have been rejected everywhere so far
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