Some instructions specifically address the credibility of a defendant in terms of his interest in the case. This circuit has repeatedly criticized the use of such an instruction because it has the effect of singling out the defendant in the jury charge. This Committee joins in those comments. Instructions on the credibility of rape victims are usually rejected. Addict-Informers are covered in Committee Comments Instruction 4.06, infra .
Impeachment evidence is also related to credibility.
Instructions 2.16-2.19, supra , cover this concept in the form of limiting instructions. Impeachment by prior inconsistent statement is covered in this instruction. Whether a party is entitled to a more specific instruction on witness bias is also generally left to the discretion of the trial court. See 1 Edward J. Devitt, et al. 105 gives a party the right to require a limiting instruction explaining that the use of this evidence is limited to credibility.