Opinion ID: 2542699
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Pertinent Jury Instructions

Text: The accomplice instruction requested by Simmons was based on PIK Crim.3d 52.18, which states: An accomplice witness is one who testifies that (he)(she) was involved in the commission of the crime with which the defendant is charged. You should consider with caution the testimony of an accomplice. The PIK Crim.3d 52.18 Notes on Use indicate that it is proper to give this cautionary instruction whether or not there is corroborating evidence, as long as the accomplice is not also a codefendant in the trial. In the present case, the trial court did not give the accomplice witness instruction, but the court gave the general credibility of witnesses instruction to the jury, PIK Crim.3d 52.09, which states: It is for you to determine the weight and credit to be given the testimony of each witness. You have a right to use common knowledge and experience in regard to the matter about which a witness has testified.