What happens when a juror fails to disclose material facts during voir dire?

When a juror fails to disclose material facts during voir dire, it may constitute grounds for a new trial if this nondisclosure is proven to have materially affected the trial's outcome. This is because the integrity of the jury selection process relies on each juror providing complete and truthful information that could impact their ability to serve impartially. If a party can demonstrate that such failure to disclose was significant—meaning that it likely influenced either the selection of jurors or the verdict—it opens the door for the court to consider the possibility of a new trial.

In the context of legal proceedings, it is essential to maintain a fair trial; therefore, the nondisclosure by a juror can lead to questions regarding whether the right to a fair jury was compromised. However, simply harboring undisclosed information does not automatically trigger an appeal or a dismissal of the case; instead, the specifics of the situation will be evaluated to determine the impact of the juror's nondisclosure. Each case is unique, and the materiality of the undisclosed facts must be carefully considered in light of their potential influence on the case's outcome.

Hence, the correct answer acknowledges that it is not an automatic process, but rather a situation that requires thorough examination to justify