Opinion ID: 1642283
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Jury Instruction on Lineup

Text: In his second contention regarding ineffective assistance of counsel, Sanders argues that his counsel should have asked the court to instruct the jury that the eyewitness identification may have been tainted due to a suggestive lineup. If the eyewitness identification procedures were impermissibly suggestive, the identification is not admissible at the trial. The admissibility of relevant evidence is a matter within the trial court's discretion. State v. Juhl, 234 Neb. 33, 449 N.W.2d 202 (1989). When the trial court determines that an eyewitness identification is admissible, it is proper for a court to reject a defendant's proposed instruction which would have placed the issue of admissibility before the jury. See, State v. McGee, 52 Wis.2d 736, 190 N.W.2d 893 (1971); People v. Gordon, 44 Colo.App. 266, 615 P.2d 62 (1980). Although the court determines the admissibility of eyewitness identification, it is the jury's function to determine the credibility of the eyewitness. Sanders' jury was instructed on credibility, the State's burden of proof, and the substantive elements of the crimes involved. These instructions allowed the jury to properly evaluate the credibility of the witnesses' identification testimony. See, McGee, supra; State v. Swink, 620 S.W.2d 63 (Mo. App.1981). Therefore, Sanders' attorney was not deficient in failing to request such a jury instruction.