Court Opinion

ID: 9808082
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-31 20:27:17.052511+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:08:49.254081
License: Public Domain

*640KETCHUM, Justice,
dissenting:
Judge Keadle was correct in granting a new trial because Juror Campbell was not stricken from the jury panel for cause. The jury questionnaire asked Juror Campbell if she had formed an opinion of the defendant’s guilt. She answered, "... this person must have done something” meaning something wrong. She had formed an opinion before hearing the evidence.
The juror’s answer was clear. It was not inconclusive or vague. When a prospective juror makes a clear statement of bias during voir dire, the prospective juror is automati- ■ eally disqualified and must be removed from the jury panel for cause. Syl. Pt. 8, State v. Newcomb, 223 W.Va. 843, 679 S.E.2d 675 (2009).
Therefore, I dissent.