Conn. Civ. Jury Instr. 2.5-1

The credibility of witnesses and the weight to be given to their testimony are matters for you as

jurors to determine. However, there are some things to keep in mind. It is the quality and not

the quantity of testimony that controls. In weighing the testimony of each witness, you may

consider whether the witness has any interest in the outcome of the trial. You should consider a

witness’s opportunity and ability to observe facts correctly and to remember them truly and

accurately, and you should test the evidence each witness gives you by your own knowledge of

human nature and the motives that influence and control human actions. You may consider the

reasonableness of what the witness says and the consistency or inconsistency of (his/her)

testimony. You may consider (his/her) testimony in relation to facts that you find to have been

otherwise proven.

You may believe all of what a witness tells you, some of what a witness tells you, or none of

what a particular witness tells you. You need not believe any particular number of witnesses and

you may reject uncontradicted testimony if you find it reasonable to do so. In short, you are to

apply the same considerations and use the same sound judgment and common sense that you use

for questions of truth and veracity in your daily life.