Opinion ID: 1864367
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: the trial court erred in failing to grant a new trial.

Text: A new trial may be granted pursuant to Miss.R.Civ.P. 59. A new trial may be granted in a number of circumstances, such as when the verdict is against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, or when the jury has been confused by faulty jury instructions, or when the jury has departed from its oath and its verdict is a result of bias, passion, and prejudice. Griffin v. Fletcher, 362 So.2d 594, 596 (Miss. 1978); Clayton v. Thompson, 475 So.2d 439, 443 (Miss. 1985). This Court will reverse a trial judge's denial of a request for new trial only when such denial amounts to a abuse of that judge's discretion. Maxwell v. Illinois Central Gulf R.R., 513 So.2d 901, 908 (Miss. 1987). The existence of trial court discretion, as a matter of law and logic, necessarily implies that there are at least two differing actions, neither of which if taken by the trial judge will result in reversal. Bailey v. Georgia Cotton Goods Co., 543 So.2d 180, 182 (Miss. 1989). It has been suggested at least once that against the overwhelming weight of the evidence and against the substantial weight of the evidence are standards without any real meaning, and that a consideration of six specific factors would be a better test of whether a new trial should be granted. See Jesco, Inc. v. Whitehead, 451 So.2d 706, 715-716 (Miss. 1984) (Robertson, J., specially concurring). These six factors are discussed by both parties in their briefs. These factors are: (1) Has the search for the true facts proceeded as far as it reasonably may under the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case? (2) To what extent would it be unfair to the party in whose favor the verdict was returned in effect to give that party's adversary a second bite at the apple? (3) Considering the evidence, is there a substantial basis for believing that the jury disregarded their oaths and failed to follow the instructions of the Court in reaching its verdict? (4) Assuming arguendo that the verdict is unjust (by reference to the underlying facts of the transaction or occurrence, the complete truth of which we will never know), what is the impact of that injustice upon the party against whom the verdict has been returned? (5) If a new trial is ordered, will the party in whose favor the verdict has been returned be deprived of some fair advantage he enjoyed in the first trial? and (6) Are there any other factors present, peculiar to the particular case of the parties, that would render just or unjust the grant or denial of a new trial? Under any of the above-mentioned standards, the trial judge's denial of the new trial motion was not an abuse of discretion, and this assignment of error is without merit.