TALK WITH JUDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1935, Page 7

TALK WITH JUDGE

JUROR’S PRIVATE INTERVIEW NOVEL INCIDENT IN. COURT SYDNEY, July G. Tu Oh* course of the hen ring of an actum before Mr Justice- Stephen, there was an unusual incident. The action arose out ol a motor-car accident when a woman was seriously injured. She claimed £2OOO damages from the driver and owner of the

After the plaintiff had given her evidence, and while her husband was in the witness box, a jnrer rase and interrupted the evidence. Addressing Mr Justice Stephen, the juror said: “I am ill a rather serious difficulty. There is a matter T should like to discuss with Your Honoour in private, i do not want to say anything in the presence of anyone in Court.” Counsel for the parties said they had no objection to the juror retiring to discuss the matter in private with His Honour, and this was agreed to. When Mr Justice Stephen returned from liis chambers to the Court he said he realised that the juror would be embarrassed if he continued to sit on the case. “There is only one thing to do,” added His Honour, “and that is to discharge the jury and reopen the case, Fortunately there has not been much time wasted, owing to the promptitude with which the juror acted.” The jury was then discharged.