PROTECTING THE JURY.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 239, 8 October 1920, Page 2

PROTECTING THE JURY.

PRECAUTIONS IN VICTORIA

In view of all that has been said arid written during the past year about the practice of "squaring" juries in Victoria, an incident which occurred last week in a Melbourne Court is interesting. A judge and a jury of twelve were hearing a charge of fraud against a man named Green. " .Suddenly, the judge interrupted the'taking of evidence, and asked the jury to retire. When the jury had eft the court, the judge

said: "There are ladies present. One of them at the end of the seat, particularly, is continually, looking up and smiling at the jury. I suggest that these ladies leave the Court until the case is over, unless there is some very good reason for them to stay. Kindly leave the Court — all three."

The ladies Mt, in obvious confusion. Tho Judge: One of them would smile at the jury when questions were asked, and I do not know whether she thought the witness had scored or whether it went against him. Neither do I know whether or not she is a friend of the accused.

Oounse for accused: She is a friend of the accused—his sister. Later, his Honor told the jury that he had sent the ladies out of Court because one of them had been "ogling the jury." He asked the members of the jury not to allow anyone to speak to them when they wont out for lunch. . He thought possibly someone would try to speak to them. . There does not appear to nave been much in this incident; but it is recalled that it has been charged repeatedly thai there is a wealthy, organisation in -''Victoria, for the •"squaring" of juries called to try notorious members of the .underworld, and that the Victorian Parliament recently passed an Act p-iving the authorities exceptional powers in the direction of fighting this sinister organisation. —Unristchurch Press Correspondent.