Transamerica Title Insurance v. Ted L. Millar, Inc.

This is an action for damages based on the alleged negligence of defendants in causing a fire which destroyed personal property belonging to plaintiff. Pursuant to a jury verdict, judgment was entered for defendants. Plaintiff then moved the court to set aside the judgment and to grant a new trial on the basis of juror misconduct. The motion was denied and plaintiff appealed.

During voir dire examination of the jury panel, one of plaintiff’s attorneys named a number of persons involved in the action and asked juror number one whether she was acquainted with any of the names. One of the names…