Where the prosecution does not contend that a lie is evidence of guilt, an Edwards direction should not be given unless the judge apprehends a real danger the jury may apply consciousness of guilt reasoning; if given for the accused's protection, it must be framed so as not to bolster the prosecution case. A trial judge's failure to identify with precision which matters are relied upon as lies evidencing consciousness of guilt, as distinct from matters going to credibility, risks a miscarriage of justice. The adage 'in vino veritas' should not be invoked in directing a jury on the reliability of admissions.
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