North Dakota Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction: In the North Dakota legal system, when a defendant with a previous felony conviction chooses to testify in their own defense, their credibility can be challenged based on both inconsistent statements and their prior felony conviction. The North Dakota Jury Instruction pertaining to impeachment covers this specific scenario. Impeachment is a legal term used to challenge the credibility or believability of a witness. In this particular instruction, the focus is on impeaching the defendant's testimony by highlighting both inconsistent statements and their prior felony conviction. 1. Inconsistent Statement: One form of impeachment is when the defendant's testimony contradicts previous statements or evidence presented during the trial. The jury is instructed to consider the credibility of the defendant's testimony if they find any inconsistencies in their statements. Inconsistencies can suggest that the defendant may not be telling the truth or could undermine their overall credibility. 2. Felony Conviction: Another aspect of this jury instruction is the defendant's prior felony conviction. If the defendant has been convicted of a felony in the past, the jury is allowed to consider this conviction when evaluating the defendant's credibility as a witness. A felony conviction can suggest a history of dishonesty or lack of moral character, which may impact the weight given to the defendant's testimony. It's important to note that impeachment through inconsistent statements and felony convictions is not an automatic indicator of guilt. The purpose of this instruction is to enable the jury to make a more informed and fair assessment of the defendant's credibility as they weigh the evidence presented during the trial. By allowing the jury to consider both inconsistent statements and prior felony convictions, the North Dakota legal system acknowledges the potential impact of these factors on a defendant's credibility. The jury's role is crucial in determining the weight to assign to the defendant's testimony, considering both their credibility and other evidence presented. It's always best to consult the most up-to-date North Dakota Jury Instructions and consult legal professionals for the precise wording and details of these instructions as they may vary over time.