Michael Levon Jackson v. United States
SocialSecurity Immigration
Does an inaccurate jury instruction on an element of a crime violate due process of law?
QUESTION(S) PRESENTED Question One The Constitution requires that a jury find every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The district court, however, did not properly instruct the jury concerning the intent elements of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), hence the jury did not have an opportunity to render an accurate verdict. Does an inaccurate jury instruction on an element of a crime violate due process of law? . Question Two . The Constitution requires a jury to unanimously find every element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt before a court may punish an individual. This Court, however, permits a court to determine punishment based on a lower standard and allows a court to consider conduct for which a jury acquitted the individual. Does the Constitution allow a district judge to effectively nullify a jury finding of acquittal? -i