Opinion ID: 2644277
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Failure to Disclose at voir dire.

Text: ¶16 Section 46-16-115, MCA, lists a number of appropriate challenges for cause in evaluating prospective jurors. Unless a juror falls within one of those statutory categories, the juror will not be removed for cause without a showing of partiality. State v. Hendricks, 171 Mont. 7, 11, 555 P.2d 743, 746 (1976). In Rennaker, we reviewed a misconduct claim in a trial for sexual assault wherein two jurors failed to disclose their prior experience of sexual abuse. Rennaker, ¶ 35. We held that the nondisclosure of their experiences only constituted misconduct if it amounted to intentional concealment, or other further evidence of bias was proven. Rennaker, ¶ 35. ¶17 The District Court properly concluded that Juror Wearley’s failure to disclose was not intentional and no other evidence of bias was presented. Although the defense inquired during voir dire about experiences with domestic violence, a juror could have believed that the defense was inquiring about whether those experiences “would influence how you judge this case . . . .” Indeed, that was the very question asked of another juror, who was not 4 challenged for cause or bias. We further note that past experiences with a similar crime are not listed as legitimate challenges for cause in § 46-16-115, MCA. The defense, therefore, can only show misconduct by proving some evidence of bias. Section 46-16-115(2)(j), MCA; State v. Dunfee, 2005 MT 147, ¶ 16, 327 Mont. 335, 114 P.3d 217. ¶18 MacGregor urges that we recognize Wearley’s implied bias based on the similarities between his experiences and the facts of the case, relying on Gonzales v. Thomas, 99 F.3d 978, 987 (10th Cir. 1996). But our holding in Rennaker requires more than similarities between the juror’s experiences and the crime alleged. MacGregor can point to no evidence of bias other than the fact that Wearley had been a victim of domestic violence. In fact, testimony of Wearley’s family revealed that he sympathized with MacGregor. Therefore, the District Court did not abuse its discretion in determining that Wearley was an impartial juror who unintentionally concealed his experience with domestic violence.