Jurors, court define term'first class'

We were hoping to learn the legal definition of "first class" as the result of the civil trial between Park Cattle Co. and Wimar Tahoe, owners of the Horizon Casino in Stateline.

That and the definition of "competitive" were two factors in the trial where Park accused Wimar of not maintaining the casino.

Instead the eight-week trial ended with a settlement that was sealed.

During the course of the trial, box upon box of exhibits were stacked up to form a low wall between the gallery and attorneys.

On Wednesday, attorneys were ready to go with more than 80 file boxes on hand. More than 140 folders with yet more material were at hand.

Attorneys and their support staff outnumbered the jurors and members of the gallery.

We're sure it was frustrating for jurors to learn their job was over without ever rendering a verdict. However, in presenting their case, attorneys for both Park and Wimar learned something that they didn't know during negotiations before the trial.

What that was, we'll never know, but we agree with District Judge Dave Gamble, who told the jury their presence was critical to the outcome of the trial.

A settlement was by far the best outcome of the case, because regardless of who won, the outcome would have been appealed.

In the end, we believe the legal definition of "first class" is best applied to the jurors and court staff members who suspended their lives for two months to adjudicate this battle of the titans.