Feb. 5, 2026
Claim: Juror compared defense attorney to 'Star Wars' villain
A Los Angeles judge delayed reading a jury verdict in a Thomas Fire damages case after a juror alleged improper discussions, outside research and bias among panelists, prompting further inquiry before acceptance.
The reading of a verdict tied to economic damage claims from the 2017 Thomas Fire was delayed Wednesday after a Los Angeles judge questioned a juror who raised concerns that other panelists may have tainted the decision through improper discussions and outside work, including sharing a photo likening a defense attorney to "Star Wars" villain General Armitage Hux.
At stake are tens of millions of dollars in claims brought by cannabis businesses Start Inc. and CA Labs, repr...
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