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Tuey Rodriguez instructions

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The gist

Lindsay Clancy jury reported deadlock after 18 hours; judge ordered continued deliberations.
Tuey-Rodriguez charge may follow if impasse persists, risking mistrial.

Background

Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the deaths of her three children in Massachusetts. After five weeks of testimony, the jury began deliberating and reported an inability to reach a unanimous verdict. The judge instructed them to continue, and if they remain deadlocked, he may issue a Tuey-Rodriguez instruction, a stronger nudge to reach a verdict.

How it unfolded

  1. recentlyJury began deliberations after five weeks of testimony.
  2. Sep 1, 2026Jury reported they could not reach a unanimous decision after about 18 hours of deliberation.
  3. Sep 1, 2026Judge William Sullivan instructed jurors to resume deliberations, noting the difficulty of the case.

Who’s saying what

Expert
Northeastern law professor Daniel Medwed said Tuey-Rodriguez instructions are a 'last-ditch effort' and often precede a hung jury.
Expert
Retired Superior Court Judge Jack Lu said the judge is not required to give the instruction at this early stage and would be justified in not giving it.

Sources

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