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Simple English definitions for legal terms

dynamite charge

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A quick definition of dynamite charge:

Definition: Dynamite charges are instructions given to a hung jury to encourage them to agree on a verdict. They are also known as allen, nitroglycerin, shotgun, or third-degree charges. Some people think dynamite charges put too much pressure on jurors to change their minds and agree with the majority. Because of this, some states do not allow them, but federal courts may use them.

A more thorough explanation:

A dynamite charge is a set of instructions given to a hung jury to encourage them to reach a verdict. It is also known as allen, nitroglycerin, shotgun, or third-degree charges.

The instructions are controversial because they can pressure jurors to change their opinions and cave to peer pressure, especially minority opinions. Some states do not allow dynamite charges, but Federal courts may use them.

Here is an example of a model dynamite 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.

This example shows how a judge may give instructions to a hung jury to encourage them to continue deliberating and reach a verdict. The instructions emphasize the importance of impartial consideration of evidence and individual judgment, while also reminding jurors to consider the instructions as a whole and not feel pressured to agree on a verdict.

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PerpetualCheerfulBeaver
13:08
I literally have no experience in this type of stuff, but if i get waitlisted, should i send an email about continued interest?
lilypadfrog
13:09
im so nonchalant
lilypadfrog
13:09
i will probably hear something back eventually
texaslawhopefully
13:10
I wish I could be like you lily
Trismegistus
13:10
im actively losingh my mind man
choosingpeace
13:10
@texaslawhopefully: lmaoo same Im crashing out so bad like it's never been this bad
texaslawhopefully
13:11
I need Chicago on Friday
Trismegistus
13:11
me too
Trismegistus
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PerpetualCheerfulBeaver
13:12
jesus they really are
GreyCeaselessMammoth
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sixtys making a historic run here
Trismegistus
13:13
theyre close to my stats that's how i know them lol
choosingpeace
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choosingpeace
13:13
uva nyu umich
13:13
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choosingpeace
13:13
that's crazy
Def that fulbright
choosingpeace
13:14
ohhhh
choosingpeace
13:14
i didn't even see that yep fas
lilypadfrog
13:14
why does the Fulbright have so much weight? idgi
And several pubs, and solid we. pretty awesome app
texaslawhopefully
13:14
idk I feel like that Fulbright isn't that big of a diff, there's so many countries where it is easy to get
snow
13:14
im telling yall, sictycoffees and nothim are like prime kobe and shaq
texaslawhopefully
13:14
it is prolly they just had a great overall narrative and not KJD
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^
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KJD 🗑️ squad
Maybe a fulbright alone isnt insanity, but pairing it with several first author pubs is sick
13:15
Besides lion ur killin jt
texaslawhopefully
13:15
yeah half tuition at CLS is fantastic
Thank you! But lowkey my page a lil fake. Withdrew from UChi after missing the II and the fact my future wife wants to leave the midwest anyways (i cant lie its mainly the first reason tho)
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