Maryland Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statemen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction: In Maryland, during a trial, the jury receives instructions to fully understand the evidence presented. One important instruction relates to impeaching the credibility of a defendant who testifies and has a felony conviction. This particular jury instruction is designed to guide the jury on the implications of a defendant's inconsistent statements and how it may affect their assessment of the defendant's credibility. When a defendant with a felony conviction takes the stand to testify in their own defense, they are subject to scrutiny by the opposing counsel. One effective method for challenging the defendant's credibility is by introducing inconsistent statements made in the past. These inconsistent statements are typically brought forward to highlight potential untruths or inconsistencies in the defendant's current testimony. Maryland Jury Instructions Outline 1. Inconsistent Statement Impeachment Procedure: — The jury is instructed on the process of impeaching a defendant's credibility using inconsistent statements. — The instruction outlines the evidentiary requirements for introducing prior inconsistent statements. — It directs the jury to treat such inconsistencies as evidence that can be considered when evaluating the defendant's credibility. 2. Impeachment of Defendant's Testimony with Felony Conviction: — The jury receives instruction specifically addressing the impact of a defendant's felony conviction on their credibility. — This instruction elucidates that a prior felony conviction may affect the defendant's character and willingness to tell the truth. — The jury is informed that a felony conviction does not automatically render the defendant's testimony unreliable but rather it is one factor to consider when assessing credibility. 3. Weighing the Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction: — The jury is educated on how to weigh the inconsistencies in the defendant's statements along with their felony conviction. — This instruction highlights that the jury must evaluate the credibility of the defendant's testimony considering all the evidence presented and the totality of the circumstances. — It emphasizes that the jury should use their reason and experience in determining what weight to give to the defendant's inconsistent statements and felony conviction. It is important to note that the specific language and instructions for Maryland jury trials may vary. These instructions serve as general guidance, but jurors are always given specific instructions by the presiding judge before deliberation. In summary, the Maryland Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statemen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction is a crucial instruction to guide jurors on the implications of a defendant's inconsistent statements and felony conviction when testifying during a trial. It ensures that the jury evaluates the defendant's credibility by considering all the evidence, including prior inconsistent statements and the impact of a felony conviction.