Oregon Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction is a specific instruction given to a jury when a defendant has testified in court and has a prior felony conviction. This instruction is aimed at assisting the jury in evaluating the defendant's credibility and determining how much weight to give their testimony. Keywords: Oregon, jury instruction, impeachment, inconsistent statement, felony conviction, defendant testifies, credibility, weight, evaluation. When a defendant testifies with a felony conviction, it is crucial for the jury to critically assess their credibility. This particular jury instruction provides guidance to the jury in two significant areas: inconsistent statements made by the defendant and the presence of a prior felony conviction. 1. Impeachment through Inconsistent Statement: In some cases, the defendant may have made inconsistent statements regarding the alleged crime or other related matters. These inconsistencies can raise doubts about the defendant's truthfulness, as they may suggest that the defendant has changed their story or possibly lied under oath. The jury instruction helps the jurors understand that such inconsistent statements can be considered as a factor in evaluating the defendant's credibility. 2. Impeachment through Felony Conviction: When a defendant testifies in court and has a prior felony conviction, it becomes relevant for the jury to consider the impact of this conviction on the defendant's credibility. The jury instruction advises the jurors that the fact that the defendant has a felony conviction can be used as evidence to question the defendant's credibility. However, it is important to note that a prior conviction cannot be used to determine the defendant's guilt or innocence in the current case. It is solely for the purpose of assessing the defendant as a witness. By incorporating these two aspects, the Oregon Jury Instruction on Impeachment — Inconsistent Statement and Felony Conviction — Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction aims to assist the jurors in making a fair and unbiased evaluation of the defendant's testimony. It ensures that the jurors are aware of the potentially questionable aspects and provides them with a framework for considering the defendant's credibility based on their prior felony conviction and any inconsistent statements made during the trial. These instructions help the jury maintain their role as impartial fact-finders by offering them clear guidelines on how to consider the defendant's testimony vis-à -vis their credibility. Ultimately, the understanding of these instructions allows the jurors to make an informed decision based on the evidence presented.