Tuesday, over four hundred Simpson County residents were called for a Special Jury in the case of Lane/Broadhead.
Four hundred is the largest number ever called for a civil trial in Simpson County. Due to the number of people who could possibly know or have dealings with the two men, a large jury pool was required. Of the four hundred, only approximately 200 reported.
At 9 AM Tuesday, January 26, 2016, the Honorable Richard McKenzie, retired Senior Status Circuit Judge, began the jury selection.
Attorneys for both parties plus the Judge were included in the selection process.
Jury is composed of 8 females and 4 males. The two alternates are female.
Jury was seated and opening statements were delivered mid afternoon.
Lane vs Broadhead is a public hearing and anyone may attend. The hearing is being held in the Simpson County Courthouse main chamber and begins each day at 9 o’clock.
Chris Lane is suing Wesley Broadhead over the handling of a land purchase. Mr. Lane attempted to purchase what is known as the old PFG land with Wesley Broadhead representing him. Eventually, the land was sold to Stacy Scott with Wesley Broadhead as Scott’s attorney.
Civil trials are court hearings that involve civil cases. A civil case will handle any infraction that is not considered a felony. In general, most civil cases deal with wrongdoings or misdemeanors associated with personal injury claims, torts, family law cases, minor or petty theft, medical malpractice suits, and other suits that would precipitate a minor punishment or the reimbursement of a financial loss.
Civil trials, in essence, are claims made by one individual against another individual or entity. The prosecuting individual, in most civil cases, will seek a reimbursement of monies for damages or a failure to carry out an obligation.
For a civil case, only 9 of the 12 jurors are needed for a guilty verdict.
Chris Lane Wesley Broadhead
