Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Third-degree instruction is a term used in court when a jury cannot agree on a verdict. The judge will give the jury a special instruction to encourage them to keep talking and try to reach a decision. This instruction is also called an Allen charge, dynamite charge, nitroglycerine charge, or shotgun charge. It's like the judge is saying, "Please keep trying to decide, even if it's hard."
Third-degree instruction is a legal term used when a jury is unable to reach a verdict. It is also known as an Allen charge, dynamite charge, nitroglycerine charge, or shotgun charge. The court gives this instruction to encourage the jury to continue deliberating until they reach a verdict.
For example, in the case of U.S. v. Hill, the court gave a third-degree instruction to the jury when they were unable to reach a verdict. The instruction urged the jury to continue deliberating and try to reach a unanimous decision.
In another case, Allen v. U.S., the Supreme Court ruled that a third-degree instruction is legal and does not violate a defendant's right to a fair trial.
Overall, a third-degree instruction is a tool used by the court to help a jury reach a verdict when they are deadlocked. It is meant to encourage the jury to continue deliberating and to consider all the evidence presented in the case.