Illinois Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction Keywords: Illinois jury instruction, impeachment, inconsistent statement, felony conviction, defendant testifies, types Description: The Illinois Jury Instruction on Impeachment — Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction is a legal guideline provided to jurors in Illinois courts. This instruction plays a significant role in the trial process when a defendant who has a prior felony conviction chooses to testify in their own defense. In a courtroom, a defendant's credibility is crucial, especially when they choose to provide their testimony. However, if the defendant has a past felony conviction, their credibility can instantly become a contentious issue during the trial. This instruction helps provide clarity to jurors regarding the weight they should give to the defendant's testimony in light of their felony conviction and any inconsistent statements made. The instruction typically outlines the following: 1. Definition of Inconsistent Statement: The instruction explains that if the defendant has made any prior statements that contradict their testimony in court, the jury should consider this inconsistency when evaluating the defendant's credibility. 2. Weight of Felony Conviction: Jurors are instructed to consider the defendant's felony conviction when assessing the credibility of their testimony. The purpose is to remind jurors that a person with a felony conviction may have motives, biases, or a lack of truthfulness that could affect their credibility. Different types of Illinois Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction may include variations based on the specific circumstances of the case being tried. For example: a. Admonishment Instruction: This type of instruction might be given to jurors cautioning them not to automatically assume the defendant is untruthful or unreliable solely due to their felony conviction. It guides the jurors to evaluate the defendant's testimony along with other evidence and factors before making a final judgment. b. Balancing Instruction: In some cases, the jury instruction might provide guidance on the balancing of credible testimony against the defendant's felony conviction. It might instruct jurors to weigh the conviction against the consistency and coherence of the defendant's testimony, considering whether the conviction has a substantial bearing on their credibility. Overall, the Illinois Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction is designed to ensure that jurors have a clear understanding of how a defendant's felony conviction and any inconsistent statements should affect their assessment of the defendant's credibility. By following this instruction, jurors can make an informed decision based on all relevant factors while maintaining the integrity of the trial process.