Opinion ID: 654621
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Instructing the Jury

Text: 21 The appellant asserts error in the trial court's instruction of the jury because he believes the instructions permitted the jury to convict based on intent to distribute some unspecified amount, that he currently did not possess, at some unspecified time in the past. Brief of Appellant at 26, United States v. Stevenson (7th Cir.1993) (No. 91-3431). Further, the appellant contends that there was error in the instructions because, under the instructions given, the jury could convict even though there was a discrepancy between the quantity of drugs described in the charges and the amounts actually proven at trial. 22 Even assuming there was not waiver of the error for failure to object (see Part II(c): discussion waiver of error because of failure to object), the appellant's argument fails. The Seventh Circuit pattern instruction given by the Court below concerning the elements of the crime was proper. Quantity is not an element of the crime specified in 21 U.S.C. Secs. 841, 846. The quantity found potentially affects sentencing but not the determination of guilt.