Opinion ID: 853669
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Instruction on Identification

Text: Emerson first asserts as error that the trial court rejected his tendered identity instruction. Emerson asserts that using a general credibility instruction was inadequate, citing the defense's theory of mistaken identity and saying that the witnesses gave varying descriptions of the non-shooter and only one witness had previously identified Emerson out of court. In response, the State claims that the tendered identity instruction contained language that would have invaded the province of the jury. We review trial court decisions concerning instructions for an abuse of discretion. Harrison v. State, 699 N.E.2d 645 (Ind.1998); Fields v. State, 679 N.E.2d 1315 (Ind.1997). In reviewing the lower court's refusal to provide disputed instructions, we consider (1) whether the instruction correctly states the law, (2) whether there is evidence in the record to support the giving of the instruction, and (3) whether the substance of the tendered instruction is covered by other instructions. Harrison, 699 N.E.2d at 649. The lengthy instruction proposed by Emerson told the jury it could consider conditions such as lighting that might affect a witness's ability to observe, whether a witness's later identification was the product of his or her own recollection as opposed to some other influence, and so on. (R. at 77-79.) A substantially similar instruction was tendered in Fry v. State, 447 N.E.2d 569, 572-73 (Ind.1983). While we sanctioned a substantially shortened identity instruction in that case, we commented that rather than endorsing such an instruction, it has been rejected in favor of a more general instruction upon the credibility of the witnesses. Id. at 573. Rather than give Emerson's instruction, the trial court found that its preliminary instruction regarding credibility adequately covered the identification issue. The instruction given was as follows: You are the exclusive judges of the evidence, the credibility of the witnesses and of the weight to be given to the testimony of each of them. In considering the testimony of any witness, you may take into account his or her ability and opportunity to observe; the memory, manner and conduct of the witness while testifying; any interest, bias or prejudice the witness may have; any relationship with other witnesses or interested parties; and the reasonableness of the testimony of the witness considered in light of all the evidence in the case. You should attempt to apply the evidence to the presumption that the defendant is innocent and the belief that every witness is telling the truth. You should not disregard the testimony of any witness without a reason and without careful consideration. However, if you find that the testimony of a witness is so unreasonable as to be unworthy of belief, or if you find conflict between the testimony of witnesses to the extent that you cannot believe all of them, then you must determine which of the witnesses you will believe and which of them you will disbelieve. In weighing the testimony to determine what or whom you will believe, you should use your own knowledge, experience and common sense gained from day to day living. You may find that the number of witnesses who testify to a particular fact, on one side or the other, or the quantity of evidence on a particular point is in conflict with your own determination of the truth, and in such case you should give the greatest weight to that evidence which convinces you most strongly of its truthfulness. (R. at 69.) Here, the court's instruction properly advised the jury on assessing the credibility of witnesses. Emerson's tendered instruction was quite long and detailed concerning the attention the jury should give to the identification witnesses. Further, the court's instruction about credibility did not place undue attention on the testimony of specific witnesses, as did the instruction tendered by Emerson. The trial court properly refused Emerson's instruction.