Leona Dixon, Administratrix of the Estate of John C. Dixon, Deceased v. Southern Pacific Transportation Company, a Corporation

WALLACE, Circuit Judge:

Southern Pacific Transportation Company (Southern Pacific) appeals from a substantial judgment entered against it in this wrongful death action. Southern Pacific correctly argues that the presiding magistrate committed clear error in the administration of the jury trial. In light of the particular facts of the case, however, we conclude that the error was harmless and therefore affirm.

I

In 1974, Dixon’s husband was struck and killed by a train operated by Southern Pacific. Dixon brought a diversity action in the district court to recover for the allegedly wrongful death…