Section 7.32 Nondisclosure

• Library: Civil Trial Practice 2015 Supp

B. (§7.32) Nondisclosure

A prospective juror’s failure to disclose during voir dire material information that resulted in bias and prejudice to the complaining party will mandate a new trial. Banks v. Vill. Enters., Inc., 32 S.W.3d 780, 786 (Mo. App. W.D. 2000). If there is intentional nondisclosure of a nonmaterial issue, the court should inquire into prejudice. Brines ex rel. Harlan v. Cibis, 882 S.W.2d 138, 140 (Mo. banc 1994).

A venireperson can only engage in nondisclosure after a party asks a clear question. Wingate v. Lester E. Cox Med. Ctr., 853 S.W.2d 912, 916 (Mo. banc 1993). If a venireperson accurately reveals everything that is known and relevant at the time the voir dire question is posed, no nondisclosure has occurred. Banks, 32 S.W.3d at 787–88 (citing Heinen v. Healthline Management, Inc., 982 S.W.2d 244, 249 (Mo. banc 1998), and McHaffie v. Bunch, 891 S.W.2d 822, 829 (Mo. banc 1995)).

The Supreme Court of Missouri recognizes both...