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An '''Allen Charge''' (also known as a "Dynamite Charge") is a term used, usually within the U.S. [[Federal court|Federal Court]] system, to describe the instructions given by a judge to a jury when, after deliberation, it is unable to reach on a verdict.<ref>http://www.lectlaw.com/def/a105.htm</ref>

An '''Allen Charge''' (also known as a "Dynamite Charge") is a term used, usually within the U.S. [[Federal court|Federal Court]] system, to describe the instructions given by a judge to a jury when, after deliberation, it is unable to reach a verdict.<ref>http://www.lectlaw.com/def/a105.htm</ref>

The Allen charge dates back to the case of Allen Vs. United States in 1896. The courts ruled that a judge did have the right to strongly encourage deadlocked jurors to continue deliberations until a verdict is reached. Today, there are a number of variations on the original Allen charge text approved in 1896. Some of these modifications have been declared unconstitutional or prejudicial by appellate courts, so individual judges tend to use their own approved Allen charge. A judge cannot force or coerce a jury into reaching a verdict by mentioning the expenses of the trial, for example.

The Allen charge dates back to the case of ''Allen v. United States'' in 1896. The courts ruled that a judge did have the right to strongly encourage deadlocked jurors to continue deliberations until a verdict is reached. Today, there are a number of variations on the original Allen charge text approved in 1896. Some of these modifications have been declared unconstitutional or prejudicial by appellate courts, so individual judges tend to use their own approved Allen charge. A judge cannot force or coerce a jury into reaching a verdict by mentioning the expenses of the trial, for example.

Because of its strong wording, courts have held that an Allen charge can only be delivered once during the deliberation phase.  

Because of its strong wording, courts have held that an Allen charge can only be delivered once during the deliberation phase.