Commonwealth v. Jones

OPINION OF THE COURT

ROBERTS, Justice.

The single question presented on this appeal is whether the trial court properly instructed the jury that the exculpatory testimony of a defense witness who admits participation in the crime must be viewed “with disfavor because it comes from a corrupt and polluted source.” We have previously held, in Commonwealth v. Russell, 477 Pa. 147, 383 A.2d 866 (1978), that the instruction may not be given. We adhere to the rule of Russell, reverse appellant Ronald Jones’ conviction and remand for a new trial.*

*601This case stems from the armed robbery of a Philadelphia…