Reedman v. Russo

holding that Section 81 confers concurrent jurisdiction over cases arising within the District of Columbia on the United States District Court and on the local court of general jurisdiction, the District of Columbia Superior Court | finding prejudice where a juror conducted an independent investigation of electrical wiring in his own home and communicated his results to fellow jurors | discussing judge's discretion to bifurcate, but warning of danger of depriving plaintiff of "legitimate right to place before the jury the circumstances and atmosphere of the entire cause of action" | discussing judge’s discretion to bifurcate, but warning of danger of depriving plaintiff of “legitimate right to place before the jury the circumstances and atmosphere of the entire cause of action” | dismissing RICO conspiracy claim where no facts in the complaint supported the allegation that the defendants agreed to engage in a scheme to assist Noriega in the illegal diversion of funds from Panama or an agreement to commit two of the enumerated predicate acts | Superior Court has jurisdiction concurrent with the United States District Courts over actions involving WMATA. | juror conducted out-of-court experiment of wiring in his home and reported results to the jury members; court found that juror’s investigation had the effect of putting him in possession of evidence not offered at trial | juror tested wiring in his house | trial court may sever causation issue