Opinion ID: 605349
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to Follow Jury Instructions

Text: 20 A jury has a duty to follow the instructions provided by the court. See Opper v. United States, 348 U.S. 84, 95 (1954) (Our theory of trial relies upon the ability of a jury to follow instructions). A reviewing court is required to assume that the jury followed its instructions unless there is admissible evidence to the contrary. United States v. Brady, 579 F.2d 1121, 1127 (9th Cir.1978), cert. denied, 439 U.S. 1074 (1979). Appellant presents evidence for only one of his many allegations that jurors failed to follow their instructions. There is admissible evidence that the jury may have discussed penalties during the guilt phase of trial. Even if we were to find that the evidence compelled the conclusion that these discussions took place, the trial judge cured any potential prejudice to appellant. The record does not indicate grounds for overturning the verdict. See United States v. Chan Yu-Chong, 920 F.2d 594, 599 (9th Cir.1990).