Opinion ID: 2209181
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Claimed misconduct of jury.

Text: Appellant contends the trial court erred when it denied a new trial under 59a(2) RCP, formerly SDC 1960 Supp. 33.1605(2) because of misconduct of the jury in returning what he claims is a quotient verdict. Affidavits of two jurors were submitted with the motion for new trial, one of which was later corrected and in effect repudiated, which show a verdict was reached by a resort to the determination of chance under the rule of Long v. Collins, 12 S.D. 621, 82 N.W. 95. On the other hand ten of the jurors submitted affidavits in which they stated after it was determined plaintiff was entitled to recover and after a number of ballots on specific amounts of damages, it was suggested each write on a separate piece of paper an amount believed to be reasonable and then see what the average would be; that this was done; that there was no advance agreement that such average would be the final verdict; that no juror relinquished his right to afterward object, but reserved such right should he think the sum unreasonable. Three of the jurors in addition positively swore that a separate ballot on $30,000 as damages was later taken and approved. The latter affidavits (10) presented a situation substantially similar to what occurred in Abdenor v. Gould, 45 S.D. 101, 186 N.W. 120, when this court held if the method used is merely to ascertain what each juror considers reasonable reserving the right to object if he thinks it unreasonable a verdict free from chance may be obtained and should stand. This rule has been consistently followed since that decision. The affidavits of the jurors presented a disputed question of fact with at least ten jurors committed to or tending to one version and one or two in opposition on what transpired within the confines of the jury room. The trial court resolved the dispute in favor of respondent and upheld the verdict. We agree with this ruling. Stene v. Hillgren, 78 S.D. 1, 98 N.W.2d 156.