Hawaii Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction In the legal system, impeachment refers to the act of challenging the credibility of a witness or a defendant's testimony. In Hawaii, there are specific jury instructions that guide the jurors on how to consider a defendant's inconsistent statement and felony conviction when evaluating their credibility. When a defendant testifies during a trial and has a prior felony conviction, their credibility may come under scrutiny. Hawaii's jury instruction on impeachment allows the jurors to consider the defendant's previous felony conviction when determining the overall reliability of their testimony. The purpose of this jury instruction is to caution the jurors about potential biases or untruthfulness that can arise from a defendant's prior conviction. By considering this information, the jury can make a more informed decision about the defendant's credibility as a witness in the case at hand. It's important to note that there could be different variations or circumstances in which this jury instruction is given. Some potential variations include: 1. Impeachment based on inconsistent statements: This portion of the instruction focuses on situations where the defendant's current testimony contradicts their previous statements made either outside or during the trial proceedings. It advises the jurors to carefully assess the defendant's credibility and consider how the inconsistent statements may affect their believability as a witness. 2. Impeachment based on felony conviction: This part of the instruction deals specifically with the defendant's previous felony conviction. It instructs the jurors on how to evaluate the defendant's credibility, keeping in mind the potential impact of the felony conviction on their truthfulness and reliability as a witness. By providing these specific jury instructions, the court aims to ensure a fair evaluation of a defendant's testimony while ensuring that the jurors are aware of the potential implications of the defendant's inconsistency or felony conviction. In conclusion, Hawaii's jury instruction on impeachment — inconsistent statement and felony conviction — when a defendant testifies with a felony conviction, acts as a guide for jurors on how to consider the credibility of a defendant's testimony. Adhering to this instruction enables the jurors to make an informed decision, taking into account any potential inconsistencies in the defendant's statements and the impact of the previous felony conviction.