02.700 Verdict (Hung Jury)

02.700 Verdict (Hung Jury) Your verdict must be unanimous. You have been deliberating upon this case for a considerable period of time, and the court deems it proper to advise you further in regard to the desirability of agreement if possible. The case has been exhaustively and carefully tried by both sides. It has been submitted to you for decision and verdict, if possible, rather than for disagreement. It is the law that a unanimous verdict is required. While this verdict must be the conclusion of each juror and not a mere acquiescence in order to reach an agreement, it is still necessary for all the jurors to examine the issues and questions submitted with candor and fairness and with a proper regard for, and deference to, the opinion of the others. Each juror should listen to the arguments of other jurors with a disposition to be convinced by them. If you differ in your views of the evidence, such difference of opinion should cause you to scrutinize the evidence more closely and to reexamine the grounds of your opinions. Your duty is to decide the issues of fact that have been submitted to you, if you conscientiously can do so. In conferring, you should lay aside all mere pride of opinion and should bear in mind that the jury room is no place to champion either side of a cause. As jurors, you should not be advocates. The aim to keep in view is the truth as it appears from the evidence, examined in the light of the instructions of the court. You will again retire to your jury room for a reasonable time and examine your differences in a spirit of fairness and try to arrive at a verdict. Spaulding v. State, 232 Ga. 411 (1974) Ratcliff v. Ratcliff, 219 Ga. 545 (1964) Allen v. U.S., 164 U.S. 492 (17 S. C. 154, 41 L. Ed. 528) (1896)