The term charge to the jury is a statement made to the jury to on how to handle the case. After both sides in the case have made their closing statements, the judge will then charge the jury. This means that the judge is giving specific instructions to the jury on how they should apply the criminal laws of the court to the evidence that they have obtained and observed during the trial itself. This instruction may include specific directions on how the process of jury deliberation is to occur, but generally, it is a statement that outlines who the jury is required to use only the evidence presented during the case to influence their decision about the guilt or innocence of the person on trial.