Conn. Crim. Jury Instr. 2.5-3

A witness testified in this case as an informant. An informant is a witness who was incarcerated

either at the time (he/she) offered to testify, or at the time (he/she) provided testimony, about a

defendant’s inculpatory statements, regardless of where or when those inculpatory statements

were made.

Although the state is permitted to present the testimony of an informant, you must examine the

testimony of such a witness who provides evidence against a defendant with greater care and

caution than the testimony of an ordinary witness.

You should keep in mind that (he/she) may, in (his/her) own mind, be looking or hoping for

some favorable treatment in the sentence, supervision, or disposition of (his/her) own matters,

and therefore may have such an interest in the outcome of this case that (his/her) testimony may

have been colored by that fact. In considering the testimony of such a witness, you may consider

whether there was any motive developed in the evidence for (him/her) to testify falsely in

inculpating the accused.

The factors you may consider, among others, when evaluating the credibility of such a witness

include:

• the extent to which the witness’ testimony is confirmed by other evidence;

• the specificity of the testimony;

• the extent to which the testimony contains details known only by the perpetrator of the

alleged offense;

• the extent to which the details of the testimony could be obtained from a source other

than the defendant;

• the circumstances under which the witness initially provided information supporting such

testimony to law enforcement or a prosecutorial official;

• whether the witness has received a benefit, or expects to receive a benefit (including

immunity from prosecution, leniency in prosecution, leniency in sentencing, or personal

advantage) in exchange for testimony;

• any other case in which the witness testified or offered statements and whether the

witness received any promise, inducement or benefit in exchange for that testimony or

statement;

• whether the witness has ever changed (his/her) testimony; and

• the witness’ record of convictions.

You should carefully scrutinize the testimony of such a witness before you accept it. However,

you are not required to disbelieve a witness because (he/she) is an informant. Like all other

questions of credibility, this is an issue for you to determine based on all the evidence presented

to you.

It is your duty to decide what credibility to give to any witness. Therefore, it is your duty to

decide whether this witness is to be believed wholly, partly, or not at all.