Opinion ID: 580895
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Jury Instructions on Conspiracy and Reasonable Doubt

Text: 32 Tham argues that the jury instructions failed to specify the degree of criminal intent necessary to convict Tham for the underlying offense of endeavoring to obstruct justice. We review de novo the legal question of whether a jury instruction misstates an element of a statutory crime. United States v. Spillone, 879 F.2d 514, 525 (9th Cir.1989), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 111 S.Ct. 210, 112 L.Ed.2d 170 (1990). We find the jury instructions on conspiracy adequate as to all elements, including the specific intent for obstruction of justice. See United States v. Tuohey, 867 F.2d 534, 536-38 (9th Cir.1989); United States v. Andreen, 628 F.2d 1236, 1248 (9th Cir.1980). Tham's counsel concedes that a specific intent instruction was given. 33 Tham argues that the jury instructions incorrectly defined the concept of reasonable doubt. Jury instructions need not be perfect to withstand challenge on appeal. The proper inquiry is whether, considering the charge as a whole, the trial court's instructions fairly and adequately covered the issues presented, correctly stated the law, and were not misleading. Frank Briscoe Co. v. Clark County, 857 F.2d 606, 612 (9th Cir.1988), cert. denied, 490 U.S. 1048, 109 S.Ct. 1957, 104 L.Ed.2d 426 (1989) (quoting Coursen v. A.H. Robbins Co., 764 F.2d 1329, 1337, modified, 773 F.2d 1049 (9th Cir.1985)). We find that the jury instructions adequately defined the concept of reasonable doubt. Brief for the United States of America at 48. 34 Tham also claims that he was prejudiced by the court's failure to provide either counsel with a written copy of the jury instructions before they were read to the jury. This was because the court had not prepared them until the time for delivery of closing arguments. Even if the court's action constituted a violation of Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 30, we find no prejudice to Tham because neither party was unfairly prevented from arguing its defense to the jury or substantially misled in formulating and presenting arguments. United States v. Gaskin, 849 F.2d 454, 458 (9th Cir.1988). 35 Although both parties may have been disadvantaged, counsel for both sides knew that conspiracy and reasonable doubt were to be among the concepts at issue. Moreover counsel had two opportunities to hear and raise objections to the content of the jury instructions--both during the initial reading of the court's instructions and later when, in response to the jury's questions, the court repeated its instructions on conspiracy and reasonable doubt. 36