Opinion ID: 2607860
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the new trial/juror misconduct

Text: Nissan argues in its cross-appeal that the district court abused its discretion in failing to issue an unconditional order for a new trial, on the basis of alleged juror misconduct, including an allegation that a juror made independent inquiry regarding a possible cause of the accident. As to particular instances of overt conduct by certain jurors, the district court found that even if those acts constituted misconduct, no prejudice resulted to Nissan. The question of prejudice is ultimately a question of fact. `It is for the trial court to determine in the first instance ... and its judgment thereon will not be overturned unless abuse of discretion is manifest.' Barker v. State, 95 Nev. 309, 313, 594 P.2d 719, 721-722 (1979). The record supports the trial court's determination, and we accordingly do not find an abuse of discretion. Nissan also submitted affidavits by several jurors stating that during their deliberations the effect of income taxes upon the award was mentioned. Mere mention of such factors is not misconduct. See Cornejo v. Probst, 6 Kan. App.2d 529, 630 P.2d 1202 (1981); cf. Holden v. Porter, 405 F.2d 878 (10th Cir.1969) (mention of insurance coverage not misconduct). The district judge did not err in denying the motion for a new trial predicated upon alleged juror misconduct.