allen charge
Allen charge. Criminal procedure. A supplemental jury instruction given by the court to encourage a deadlocked jury, after prolonged deliberations, to reach a verdict. Allen v. United States, 164 U.S. 492, 17 S.Ct. 154 (1896). — Also termed dynamite charge; dynamite instruction; nitroglycerine charge; shotgun instruction; third-degree instruction. [Cases: Criminal Law 865(1.5). C.J.S. Criminal Law § 1386.]