Section 7.33 Intentional Nondisclosure

• Library: Civil Trial Practice 2015 Supp

C. (§7.33) Intentional Nondisclosure

The finding of intentional nondisclosure has “become tantamount to a per se rule mandating a new trial.” Frenette v. Clarkchester Corp., 692 S.W.2d 834, 836 (Mo. App. E.D. 1985); Anderson v. Burlington N. R.R. Co., 651 S.W.2d 176, 178 (Mo. App. E.D. 1983). If a juror intentionally withholds material information on voir dire, bias and prejudice are inferred. Rinkenbaugh v. Chicago, Rock Island & Pac. R.R. Co., 446 S.W.2d 623, 626 (Mo. 1969); Beggs v. Universal C. I. T. Credit Corp., 387 S.W.2d 499, 503 (Mo. banc 1965).

Intentional nondisclosure occurs when there is no reasonable inability to comprehend the information solicited by the question and:

· the prospective juror actually remembers the experience; or

· the experience was of such significance that the purported forgetfulness is unreasonable.

Williams ex rel. Wilford v. Barnes Hosp., 736 S.W.2d 33, 37...