Geisinger v. Board of County Commissioners

"the giving of multiple `Allen' charges is to be avoided and may constitute reversible error..." | “the preferable rule is to uphold the trial judge’s exercise of discretion unless he acts arbitrarily or irrationally” | jury instructed that "[i]t is important that a decision ... be reached here, and I really see no good reasons why a decision cannot be reached" | harmless error analysis applies when trial judge answers jury's note without defendant or his counsel being present | second deadlock instruction upheld after an 11-1 split for conviction, known to the trial court, continued and a signed note by the holdout juror delivered to the court | jury instructed that “[i]t is important that a decision ... be reached here, and I really see no good reasons why a decision cannot be reached” | introduction of gun to establish bank robbery defendant’s identity and opportunity, held permissible | affirming decision to give second modified Allen charge | two ABA instructions not reversible error