Opinion ID: 582726
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Bruton's Instructions

Text: 48 Bruton challenges the district court's instructions regarding Count II, in which the Government alleged that Bruton engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise (CCE) in violation of 21 U.S.C.A. § 848 (West Supp.1991). Because Bruton failed to object to the instructions at trial, we review the instructions only for plain error. United States v. Mason, 902 F.2d 1314, 1316 (8th Cir.1990). We will apply the plain error rule to jury instructions only to prevent a miscarriage of justice. Id. We have considered several of Bruton's claims and determine that they do not present issues for reversal as plain error. 49 Bruton argues that the district court erred in failing to instruct the jury that it must be unanimous in finding which five people the defendant acted in concert with in running the enterprise. A general unanimity instruction usually protects a defendant's sixth amendment right to a unanimous verdict. United States v. Hiland, 909 F.2d 1114, 1139 (8th Cir.1990). A district court may have to give a specific unanimity instruction when a risk of jury confusion exists. Id. Although the Government presented a large volume of evidence in this case, that volume would not by itself confuse the jury as to which five people Bruton managed or supervised. The district court's instructions do not represent a gross miscarriage of justice. 7