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LSDefine

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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windyMagician
11:09
shaq hows ur love life going? any updates?
shaquilleoatmeal
11:14
damn couldnt even get to Christmas dinner before this question lmao im not looking for anything serious rn so no updates lol
11:14
i made out with my ex in a stairwell the other day if you care. my only update
shaquilleoatmeal
11:14
oof
shaquilleoatmeal
11:14
twitter ex or a different ex
11:15
different ex
windyMagician
11:15
since its not Twitter dude I'll forgive it
shaquilleoatmeal
11:17
at least you did that before the new year, cant carry that baggage in 25
11:17
I think he thinks if I move to nyc we’re going to get back together
11:17
that’s not my plan tbh
jackfrost11770
11:18
this is so funny
shaquilleoatmeal
11:19
lmao damn wish id be classmates with this dude
shaquilleoatmeal
11:20
@cheriebomb: you never know what the future holds
jackfrost11770
11:20
also cherie fallen soldier
jackfrost11770
11:20
i got home at 8 am from the club and my neighbor was leaving to go biking. truly living in different worlds
11:20
i don’t fw him that heavy tbh
11:21
i get along better with his friends than i do with him
windyMagician
11:21
nah the hiking in Nike blazers deserves jail time
11:21
he was already vomiting and shitting in a hole I think he did his penance
windyMagician
11:26
call that restorative justice
11:35
they put a place in the UK second. I don’t trust their methodology
shaquilleoatmeal
11:35
im laughin cause it definitely isnt but the fact that some people this it is is comical
shaquilleoatmeal
11:35
tink*
shaquilleoatmeal
11:35
think jee
shaquilleoatmeal
11:35
jeez - im over it
11:37
imagine saying you want to go to boston for christmas 💀
shaquilleoatmeal
11:40
imagine you not wanting to go what lmao
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