Utah Jury Instruction - Impeachment - Inconsistent Statement - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Basic Criminal Claim Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CR-6-4
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.

Utah Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statemen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction: In a criminal trial, it is important for the jury to have accurate and reliable information in order to make a fair and informed decision. The Utah Jury Instruction Impeachmenten— - Inconsistent Statemen— - Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction addresses a specific situation where the defendant testifies during the trial but has a prior felony conviction on his or her record. This type of instruction is meant to guide the jury's assessment of the defendant's credibility and how it may be impacted by prior inconsistent statements or actions related to the felony conviction. When a defendant testifies in their own defense while having a felony conviction, they may present inconsistent statements or provide information that contradicts their prior actions. This instruction provides guidance to the jury on how to evaluate the defendant's credibility in light of these inconsistencies. It allows the jury to consider whether the felony conviction undermines the defendant's credibility and casts doubt on the reliability of their testimony. There may be different variations of the Utah Jury Instruction — Impeachment – Inconsistent Statement – Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some possible variations include: 1. Prior Inconsistent Statements: This particular instruction directs the jury to consider any prior inconsistent statements made by the defendant regarding their felony conviction. This could include statements made during police interrogations, previous court appearances, or any other documented instances where the defendant provided conflicting information about the conviction. The jury is instructed to weigh the significance of these inconsistencies in determining the defendant's credibility. 2. Timing and Motivation: This variation of the instruction focuses on the timing and motivation behind the defendant's inconsistent statement. It asks the jury to consider whether the defendant had a motive to fabricate or alter their testimony due to the felony conviction. The instruction guides the jury to assess whether the defendant's statement is a genuine recollection of events or an attempt to manipulate the truth to their advantage. 3. Corroboration and Supporting Evidence: In certain cases, the Utah Jury Instruction — Impeachmen— – Inconsistent Statement – Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction may delve into the presence or absence of corroboration or supporting evidence. This variation directs the jury to consider whether there is any other evidence that supports or contradicts the defendant's testimony. If there is substantial evidence that corroborates the inconsistent statement, it may strengthen the case against the defendant and further diminish their credibility. In summary, the Utah Jury Instruction – Impeachmen— – Inconsistent Statement – Defendant Testifies With Felony Conviction provides guidance to the jury when evaluating the credibility of a defendant who testifies while having a felony conviction. By considering prior inconsistent statements, timing and motivation, and the presence of corroborating evidence, the jury can make a more informed decision regarding the weight to assign to the defendant's testimony in light of their criminal history.