Charge

In practice

An address to a jury impannelled in a cause, by the presiding judge, after the case has been closed on both sides, recapitulating and commenting upon the testimony adduced by the respective parties, and instructing the jury in any matter of law arising upon it.

3 Steph. Com. 617. Story, J., 10 Peters' R. 657, 660.

In English practice this is called the summing up, (q. v.) 2 Tidd's Pr. 867.

1 Archb. Pr. 195.

An address to the grand jury or inquest of a county, by the presiding judge of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, or other principal criminal court, instructing them in their duty.

4 Bl. Com. 303.

To charge. To deliver such an address. To CHARGE. In equity pleading. To make a distinct and formal allegation in a bill, usually for the purpose of anticipating and meeting some allegation or defence on the part of the defendant. If the plaintiffs are aware of any defence which may be made, and have any matter to allege which may avoid it, the general charge of confederacy is usually followed by an allegation that the defendants pretend or set up the matter of their defence, and by a charge of the matter which may be used to avoid it. This is commonly called the charging part of the bill.

Mitford's Ch. Pl. 43. Story's Eq. Pl. § 31.