To a certain extent. But regardless of how many times a jury gets told that they should take no meaning into a defendant not taking the stand, it's been shown that juries still consider it. Letting him take the stand probably outweighs the risks in the defense's eyes.
To a certain extent. But regardless of how many times a jury gets told that they should take no meaning into a defendant not taking the stand, it’s been shown that juries still consider it.
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Yup. It’s psychological, and one does not have to “prove innocence”, but yes, I think it is a positive for the jury to hear the mindset of the defendant. They can then better visualize themselves in the same circumstance.
While it’s a gamble, so far it looks very helpful to bolster the jury’s resolve to find him innocent in spite of the enormous pressure they are under to convict. At least some of the jurors will have a conscience that won’t allow them to convict an innocent man regardless of the pressure.