Opinion ID: 3178452
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Reaching the Unpreserved Issue

Text: We note initially that Kelvin is the only defendant to raise a constructive amendment and variance argument on appeal. And as discussed above, he also objected at trial to the government’s presentation of evidence regarding the Bussell conspiracy, thereby preserving his claim for appellate review. While Jackie does not raise a constructive amendment and variance argument on appeal, he did, however, object at trial to the substantial amount of evidence about the Bussell conspiracy. James, on the other hand, does not raise this argument on appeal, nor did he raise this challenge at trial. “The general rule of appellate procedure is that issues not presented in an appellant’s initial merits brief are waived.” Citizens Coal Council v. U.S. E.P.A., 447 F.3d 879, 905 (6th Cir. 2006) (en banc) (citation omitted). But this rule is not jurisdictional, and we may choose to entertain arguments not raised by the parties when the failure to do so would constitute a miscarriage of justice. See Mayhew v. Allsup, 166 F.3d 821, 823-24 (6th Cir. 1999) (holding that Nos. 13-6558/6559/6560 United States v. Mize, et al. Page 6 the court would consider the application of a statute helpful to the defendant despite his failure to address it either at trial or on appeal when the failure to do so would constitute a miscarriage of justice). We recognize that the rule in Mayhew applies only to “exceptional” cases. See id. This case, however, meets that exception because, if successful, Defendants’ appeal on this issue would result in reversal of their convictions. Moreover, because the issue has been briefed by both sides and discussed at oral argument, the government is not prejudiced by Jackie’s and James’ neglect in not raising the issue in their briefs.2 Finally, because Defendants were tried together for a single conspiracy, it would be a miscarriage of justice to affirm Jackie’s and James’ convictions while reversing Kelvin’s conviction based on a constitutional error that tainted Defendants’ joint jury trial. We will therefore exercise our discretion to reach the merits as to whether a constructive amendment or variance occurred as to all defendants, because we believe that a failure to do so would constitute a miscarriage of justice. See id.