Opinion ID: 678608
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Cultural departure.

Text: 13 Lee Khang argues that we should remand for a determination of whether he should get a downward departure because of cultural differences in the medicinal use of opium. We do not reach the question whether a departure on that ground would be appropriate. Mr. Khang had the burden of proving the factual basis for the departure he sought, United States v. Anders, 956 F.2d 907, 911 (9th Cir.1992), and failed. See United States v. Yu, 954 F.2d 951, 954 (3d Cir.1992). The district judge must decide the facts for himself, not uncritically defer to experts or accept representations about a culture with which he is unfamiliar. Credibility, the defendant's individual knowledge and responsibility, and applicability of American legal principles must be considered by the judge, not just assertions that things are done in a different way in another culture. 14