Washington Jury Instruction - Explanatory Instruction - Prior Statement or Testimony of a Witness

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CRT-4
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a model for an explanatory instruction regarding the prior statement or testimony of a witness. The instruction explains that prior tesitmony is not normally allowed for the truth or falsity thereof, but instead as a means of helping to determine the truth or falsity of current testimony. Washington Jury Instruction — ExplanatorInstructionio— - Prior Statement or Testimony of a Witness is a legal instruction given to the jury in Washington state during a trial. It pertains to the admissibility and weight of prior statements or testimony made by a witness. When a witness takes the stand, they are generally expected to provide their testimony based on their personal recollection of events. However, in certain circumstances, prior statements or testimony made by the witness may become relevant to the case. In such situations, this jury instruction provides guidance to the jury on how to consider such prior statements or testimony and their credibility. There are different types of Washington Jury Instruction — ExplanatorInstructionio— - Prior Statement or Testimony of a Witness, which include: 1. Prior inconsistent statement: This instruction explains that if a witness's prior statement contradicts or differs from their current testimony, the jury may consider the inconsistencies in evaluating the witness's credibility. The jury must assess the circumstances and determine the weight they want to assign to the prior inconsistent statement. 2. Prior consistent statement: In this scenario, if a witness has previously made a statement consistent with their current testimony, this instruction helps the jury to consider the prior consistent statement as evidence, potentially supporting the credibility and reliability of the witness. The jury is instructed to determine the weight they want to attribute to this statement, based on the witness's overall credibility. 3. Prior inconsistent conduct or testimony: In some instances, a witness's prior conduct or testimony may be inconsistent with their current testimony. This instruction guides the jury on how to evaluate such inconsistencies and consider the weight and credibility of the witness's prior inconsistent conduct or testimony. 4. Prior consistent conduct or testimony: This instruction clarifies that if a witness engaged in consistent conduct or made consistent statements in the past, the jury may consider such evidence to assess the credibility and reliability of the witness's current testimony. The jury is instructed to evaluate the weight to be given to the prior consistent conduct or testimony. In all instances, the jury is cautioned to carefully consider the circumstances under which the prior statements or testimony were made and the credibility of the witness providing them. Jurors are reminded that they are the sole arbiters of credibility and should assess the evidence presented in light of the entire case. By adhering to this instruction, the jury can make a fair and informed decision regarding the weight to be attributed to prior statements or testimony of a witness.

Washington Jury Instruction — ExplanatorInstructionio— - Prior Statement or Testimony of a Witness is a legal instruction given to the jury in Washington state during a trial. It pertains to the admissibility and weight of prior statements or testimony made by a witness. When a witness takes the stand, they are generally expected to provide their testimony based on their personal recollection of events. However, in certain circumstances, prior statements or testimony made by the witness may become relevant to the case. In such situations, this jury instruction provides guidance to the jury on how to consider such prior statements or testimony and their credibility. There are different types of Washington Jury Instruction — ExplanatorInstructionio— - Prior Statement or Testimony of a Witness, which include: 1. Prior inconsistent statement: This instruction explains that if a witness's prior statement contradicts or differs from their current testimony, the jury may consider the inconsistencies in evaluating the witness's credibility. The jury must assess the circumstances and determine the weight they want to assign to the prior inconsistent statement. 2. Prior consistent statement: In this scenario, if a witness has previously made a statement consistent with their current testimony, this instruction helps the jury to consider the prior consistent statement as evidence, potentially supporting the credibility and reliability of the witness. The jury is instructed to determine the weight they want to attribute to this statement, based on the witness's overall credibility. 3. Prior inconsistent conduct or testimony: In some instances, a witness's prior conduct or testimony may be inconsistent with their current testimony. This instruction guides the jury on how to evaluate such inconsistencies and consider the weight and credibility of the witness's prior inconsistent conduct or testimony. 4. Prior consistent conduct or testimony: This instruction clarifies that if a witness engaged in consistent conduct or made consistent statements in the past, the jury may consider such evidence to assess the credibility and reliability of the witness's current testimony. The jury is instructed to evaluate the weight to be given to the prior consistent conduct or testimony. In all instances, the jury is cautioned to carefully consider the circumstances under which the prior statements or testimony were made and the credibility of the witness providing them. Jurors are reminded that they are the sole arbiters of credibility and should assess the evidence presented in light of the entire case. By adhering to this instruction, the jury can make a fair and informed decision regarding the weight to be attributed to prior statements or testimony of a witness.