Shoulders v. State

On direct appeal, Shoulders argued that a jury cannot accurately assess the credibility of an accomplice-witness who testifies in exchange for the opportunity to plead guilty to a reduced charge unless the jury knows the benefit gained by that accomplice, measured by cross-examining the accomplice for his knowledge of the difference in potential sentences on the original charge and the reduced charge. The supreme court disagreed. Shoulders v. State (1985), Ind., 480 N.E.2d 211. But, fifteen months later the supreme court reversed its position on the issue. Jarrett v. State (1986), Ind., 498…