Alston v. Black River Electric Cooperative

WALLER, Justice:

This case presents the novel issue of whether members of an electric cooperative should be per se disqualified from serving on a jury when the cooperative is a party. Affirming the trial court, the Court of Appeals rejected a rule of per se disqualification. Alston v. Black River Elec. Coop., 338 S.C. 543, 527 S.E.2d 119 (Ct.App.2000). We granted a writ of certiorari and now reverse.

FACTS

Petitioner Michael Alston sued respondent Black River Electric Cooperative (“Black River”) for negligence in connection with a fire on his property. According to the complaint, Alston was…