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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.

dying declaration | dynasty trust

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Mich overrated (Dean Z please let me in even tho i didnt apply and I am below both 25ths)
ClassyPleasantHeron
10:01
The "date changes" at Michigan really don't mean anything. We had to do them in undergrad admissions whenever a Georgia applicant picked the country instead of the state, because we'd have to remove the TOEFL requirement and reassign the application from the international application readers.
soapy
10:06
Classy, does that mean they may look at your application, and that look doesn't necessarily trigger any date change?
1a2b3c4d26z
10:06
Man
1a2b3c4d26z
10:07
Walkin to the bus
1a2b3c4d26z
10:07
What a good day to get into law school
ClassyPleasantHeron
10:11
@soapy: I don't know for sure about the law school. For undergrad, once the application is complete, it's assigned to a reader the following Monday. If we had to make any changes, it's because a reader saw something that needed to be changed and the application needed to be re-read after that change.
soapy
10:12
Ahh, got it. Thank you for the insight!
ClassyPleasantHeron
10:14
You're welcome. FWIW, I have no idea what's up with the address changes. We didn't have to do any of that, except for the Georgia state vs country kinds of things.
soapy
10:15
I've heard it theorized that some schools will change the address from "St." --> "Street" as they prepare to send out admissions packets. That's the rumor, anyways.
i think it just indicates a change in status like under review or stages of review
my stanford address went long as soon as it was marked complete lmao
soapy
10:25
I saw some Reddit adcom say that they can see any time we refresh the status checker; I wonder if it's a red flag if an applicant's checked it like 50 times in a day?
soapy
10:25
Also, can we send another LoR to a school that we've already applied to?
soapy
10:26
Or another essay?
10:30
i'll allow it
soapy
10:31
<3 thanks Fart Butt
1a2b3c4d26z
10:31
If I get rejected by a school bc I check my statuses during work then it wasn’t meant to be
10:32
cautionary tail re reddit posts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jZAQAuqSfs
How else will they know we fuck
Need to know aboot 6 pack abs
How many 666 people apply?
lolololol
soapy
10:34
Ah that's frightening
@triplethread
Why? LOL
soapy
10:35
The adcoms recognize you and will deny you is frightening, lmaoo. Not the abs thing XD
10:36
they browse LSD?
soapy
10:37
Wouldn't be shocked if so; isn't this the biggest law school forum outside of Reddit?
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