Every juror is biased to some degree because each person has his own predilections and leanings that have been shaped by experience and other factors. It is unrealistic to expect any person to disregard his unique perspective when serving as a juror. But to what extent does a juror’s partiality or bias become so apparent and potentially disruptive as to warrant disqualification in the midst of a civil trial?

The grounds for disqualification are murky, and remain so after the Terra Firma v. Citigroup trial last fall during which it was discovered that one juror potentially had an anti-bank bias. A trial judge has broad discretion in deciding whether to excuse a juror during a civil trial, and common sense, practicality and experience play key roles in assessing whether disqualification is required.

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