TRIAL BY BALLOT.
NEW SYSTEM IN MURDER CASES. The first case tried under the new French system, by which jurymen secretly ballot with the judge concerning the punishment to be inflicted has been held at Vannes. A sentence of 20 years' imprisonment in the penal settlement in French Guiana was passed on Jean Belno, found guilty of murdering his rival. The death penalty was demanded by the Public Prosecutor, but extenuating circumstances were pleaded by Belno's counsel. Tho object of the new system iB to overcome the difficulties caused by juries acquitting persons admittedly guilty because they feared a heavier punishment than they themselves would inflict. The first vote is on the maximum penalty. If there is no agreement voting proceeds on shorter terms until a clear .majority of court and jury is obtained.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)
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134TRIAL BY BALLOT. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)
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