Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Oregon

Re: Jury Duty

Rather than try to debate whether this is a conflict for the juror, I would advise the juror to IMMEDIATELY report the matter to the JUDGE, and let the judge decide.

At first blush, however, it would appear to be improper for a juror to have a financial interest in the outcome of the very case being decided by that juror, but it's also a question of probabilities and degree. For example, suppose you pay property tax in a given county, and you are asked to sit on a jury to decide a claim against that county, thereby increasing the possibility that your property taxes would increase. In that general a situation, the courts will more likely look to the broader question of VENUE -- that is, whether the matter should be heard in a different county altogether. HOWEVER, in some of THOSE situations, once the case STAYS in that same county, as it often will, it would appear that the judges did NOT consider that a sufficiently direct or consequential conflict.

So, once again -- ASK the judge, and let the judge decide. That's what they get paid to do all day!

Sam Hochberg