Allen charge

noun

Al·​len charge
ˈa-lən-
: a charge to a deadlocked jury to make a further effort to reach a verdict especially by each juror considering the others' opinions with deference

called also dynamite charge

Word History

Etymology

from the Supreme Court case Allen v. United States, 164 U.S. 492 (1896), which upheld the right of a trial judge to make such a charge

Dictionary Entries Near Allen charge

Cite this Entry

“Allen charge.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/Allen%20charge. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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