[Except for the testimony of <insert witness’s name>,which requires supporting evidence,] (the/The) testimony of only one witness can prove any fact. Before you conclude that the testimony of one witness proves a fact, you should carefully review all the evidence.

BENCH NOTES

Instructional Duty

The court has a sua sponte duty to give an instruction on this issue in every case. (People v. Rincon-Pineda (1975) 14 Cal.3d 864, 884–885 [123 Cal.Rptr. 119, 538 P.2d 247].) Insert the bracketed language if the testimony of an accomplice or other witness requires corroboration. (People v. Chavez (1985) 39 Cal.3d 823, 831–832 [218 Cal.Rptr. 49, 705 P.2d 372].)

The following constitutional provisions and statutes require evidence that corroborates a witness’s testimony: Cal. Const., art. I, § 20 [treason]; Pen. Code, § § 1111 [accomplice testimony]; 653f [solicitation of a felony]; 118 [perjury]; 1108 [abortion and seduction of a minor]; 532 [obtaining property by false pretenses].

AUTHORITY

·            Instructional Requirements. Evid. Code, § 411; People v. Rincon­Pineda (1975) 14 Cal.3d 864, 885 [123 Cal.Rptr. 119, 538 P.2d 247].

·            Corroboration Required. People v. Chavez (1985) 39 Cal.3d 823, 831–832 [218 Cal.Rptr. 49, 705 P.2d 372].

Secondary Sources

3 Witkin, California Evidence (4th ed. 2000) Presentation, § 111.

4 Millman, Sevilla & Tarlow, California Criminal Defense Practice, Ch. 85, Submission to Jury and Verdict, § 85.03[2][b] (Matthew Bender).

77.

301. Single Witness’s Testimony-Jury-Page 77
301. Single Witness’s Testimony-Jury-Page 78

(Pub 1284)

Copyright 2008 Judicial Council of California. 

California Criminal Jury Instructions-CALCRIM-Table of Contents
California Criminal Jury Instructions-CALCRIM-Volume 1 Table of Contents 
California Jury Instructions-CALCRIM-Vol. 1. General Instructions