Court Opinion

ID: 9637387
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 15:06:06.855324+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:09:55.931611
License: Public Domain

BRATTON, Circuit Judge
(dissenting).
It was stated in our former opinion that apart from the procedural question decided, we had examined the bill of exceptions with care, and that, if it were open to consideration, it would fail to present prejudicial error and would disclose substantial evidence to support the verdict. Now that it is before us in a technical sense, I adhere to that position.
I cannot agree that the principal defense to the offenses charged in the second, third, and fourth counts of the indictment was entrapment. It was an unqualified denial of concealment and sale as there charged. Defendant testified without condition or qualification that no such transaction ever occurred. He admitted some connection with the transaction laid in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth counts, but explained it; and he was acquitted on those charges. So our consideration is confined to the charges which were denied in toto. But, where entrapment is properly interposed as a defense, it is a question of fact for the jury. Sorrells v. United States, 287 U.S. 435, 53 S.Ct. 210, 77 L.Ed. 413, 86 A.L.R. 249; Di Salvo v. United States (C.C.A.) 2 F.(2d) 222, 223; Silk v. United States (C.C.A.) 16 F.(2d) 568; Jarl v. United States (C.C.A.) 19 F.(2d) 891. The instructions are not in the record. It is recited, however, that no exceptions were taken to them. After some deliberation, the jury returned into open court and the following took place:
“Foreman: I might ask this question, Your Honor, in the event of the consideration of entrapment, would decision in favor of the defendant on the point of entrapment be a complete defense?
“The Court: I gave you an instruction this morning on the question of entrapment. I further instruct you that each count was a separate offense. You may consider the question of entrapment as to each count of the indictment and it is within your province to find he was or was not entrapped as to each count, irrespective - of your verdict or decision on each of the other counts. The action here,' according to the evidence, covered a considerable period of time.
“Mr. Moyniharí: As I understood the juror’s question was as to whether or not they find in favor of entrapment that means a verdict of not guilty. If they find there was entrapment, are they permitted under your instructions to find a verdict of not guilty?
“The Court: As to any count, they can consider the question of entrapment as to each of the eight counts.
“Mr. Moynihan: What I think the juror wants to know is if they find in favor of entrapment it is a complete defense, which will entitle the defendant to an acquittal.
“The Court: Entrapment is a complete defense, gentlemen, as to any count you may find it occurred. As to some of the counts or all of them, or any one or more of them. Does that answer your question ?
“Foreman: Yes, maybe one more. Isn’t it possible to bring in a disagreement, or must we come to a direct verdict of guilty or not guilty as to all of these counts ?
“The Court: Yes, you can, but I will ask you to deliberate further and attempt to reach a verdict on each and every count, but if after conscientiously trying to reach a verdict, you may return a verdict of guilty or not guilty on any or more of the counts, .and report disagreement on the other counts. Anything more?
“Foreman: That’s all.
“The Court: You may retire and proceed with your deliberations. * * * ”
Manifestly, the question was submitted in clear and unmistakable language; so clear and satisfactory that no word of complaint was made and the jury resolved it against appellant.
*45Assuming, without deciding, that the testimony of the witness Finnie was inadmissible, it was nonprejudicial. The judgment should be affirmed.