Missouri Jury Instruction — Credibility of Witnesses: Explained in Detail In the state of Missouri, the credibility of witnesses is of utmost importance in determining the truth and reaching a fair verdict. To help the jury in their decision-making process, Missouri Jury Instructions provide guidance specifically on assessing the credibility of witnesses. These instructions aid in evaluating the believability, honesty, and reliability of the testimony presented. Key terms associated with Missouri Jury Instruction — Credibility of Witnesses: 1. Credibility: The quality of being trustworthy or believable as a witness. In assessing credibility, the jury must consider various factors such as the demeanor, bias, consistency, motive, and competence of the witness. 2. Missouri Jury Instructions: These are detailed, standardized guidelines provided to juries to assist them in understanding the law and applying it correctly when reaching a decision. These instructions cover various aspects of legal proceedings, including credibility assessment. Types of Missouri Jury Instructions — Credibility of Witnesses: 1. MAI-CR: Under the Missouri Approved Instructions for Criminal Cases (MAI-CR), there are instructions specifically tailored to assessing the credibility of witnesses in criminal trials. These instructions outline the factors the jury should consider when determining if a witness's testimony is credible or not. 2. MAI-CIV: Similarly, the Missouri Approved Instructions for Civil Cases (MAI-CIV) provides guidelines on evaluating credibility in civil trials. These instructions specify the factors that the jury should take into account when considering the credibility of witnesses in civil litigation. 3. Witness Bias: One important aspect covered in these instructions is the potential bias of a witness. This includes any personal or financial interest the witness may have in the outcome of the case. Jurors are instructed to carefully assess if bias may impact the credibility of a witness. 4. Witness Demeanor: The demeanor of a witness during their testimony can provide meaningful clues to the credibility of their statements. Factors such as hesitations, consistency in answers, clarity of recall, and body language can play a role in the jury's credibility assessment. 5. Witness Motive: Missouri Jury Instructions also emphasize the importance of considering a witness's motive in offering their testimony. A motive to lie, distort the truth, or withhold pertinent information can significantly impact credibility. By providing these specific guidelines, Missouri Jury Instructions aim to ensure that jurors have a clear understanding of how to evaluate witness credibility. These instructions not only help the jury navigate the complexities of a trial but also promote fairness and accurate decision-making in the Missouri legal system.