The New Hampshire Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statemen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction is a legal guideline used in criminal trials in New Hampshire when the defendant takes the stand and testifies but has a prior felony conviction. This instruction is used to educate the jury about possible impeachment or challenging the credibility of the defendant's testimony due to an inconsistent statement made by the defendant. Impeachment is a technique employed by the opposing counsel to challenge the credibility of a witness, in this case, the defendant. When a defendant testifies in their own defense and has a prior felony conviction, their testimony can be scrutinized for inconsistencies with a previous statement or their criminal history, which may impact the jury's perception of their believability and truthfulness. The New Hampshire Jury Instruction on Impeachment — InconsistenStatementen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction informs the jury that if they find the defendant made a prior inconsistent statement — meaning their testimony contradicts a previous statement they made — and that statement relates to a material fact, the jury may use this inconsistency to evaluate the defendant's credibility. This instruction has variations based on the specific circumstances of the case, and some potential types of the New Hampshire Jury Instruction — Impeachment — InconsistStateaNTm—nt - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction may include: 1. Standard Impeachment Instruction: This instruction is the basic version that applies to cases where the defendant has testified but has a prior felony conviction. It outlines the criteria for considering prior inconsistent statements and emphasizes the importance of evaluating the defendant's credibility. 2. Witness Motive or Bias: This instruction focuses on cases where the inconsistent statement may be attributed to the witness's motive or bias. It guides the jury to evaluate whether the defendant's prior conviction may affect their credibility due to ulterior motives or personal bias. 3. Alibi Defense: When the defendant presents an alibi defense, this type of instruction would detail how the prior inconsistent statement impacts their credibility. It assists the jury in determining whether the defendant's previous statement contradicts their current alibi testimony. 4. Expert Witness Testimony: In cases involving expert witnesses, this instruction addresses how the defendant's prior conviction and inconsistent statements may affect the expert's assessment of the case. It aids the jury in assessing the reliability of the expert's testimony and the weight to place on it. It is crucial for the jury to understand the implications of a defendant's prior felony conviction, inconsistent statements, and how it may affect their credibility. The New Hampshire Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statemen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction serves as a reliable guide for jurors to make well-informed decisions while considering the evidence and testimony presented before them in criminal trials.