State v. Woods

PLEICONES, Justice:

We granted certiorari to review a decision of the Court of Appeals granting respondent a new trial. The Court of Appeals held respondent was entitled to a new trial because a seated juror failed to disclose that she had worked as a volunteer victims’ advocate in the prosecuting office. State v. Woods, 338 S.C. 561, 527 S.E.2d 128 (Ct.App.2000). We affirm.

FACTUAL/PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In August of 1998 respondent was convicted of possession with intent to distribute (PWID) crack cocaine and PWID within proximity of a park.

After the jury returned its verdict, but before the…