Trial by Jury.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume IX, Issue 1197, 21 February 1902, Page 4

Trial by Jury.

Per Press Association.

Aucklano, February 18.

The attack recently made by Mr Justice Conolly upon a Supreme Court jury has brought the veuerable Judge under severe criticism. The foreman of the jury, writing on the subject, says : —“ It is an outrageous thing that men of good business standing should be wantonly insulted by the presiding Judge. The jury were men well qualified for the duty. The result of the trial may not have been satisfactory, but with the singularly incomplete evidence placed before them, the verdict of the jury was certainly not a ‘ ridiculous ’ one. The ebullition of temper on the part of his Honor was most regrettable. Such an exhibition is not only extremely derogatory to the dignity of the Bench, but it serves to colour very stroogly the freely-expressed opinion that in connection with Supreme Court matters in this oity there are more ‘ serious farces ’ than even trial by jury.” Another writer blames the jury for submitting to insult without remonstrance, and adds that “ in Australia a few years ago a similar ease oceured, anu the foreman of the jury rose to tbe occasion manfully. He said : ‘ With all due respect to this Court and your Honor, we are not here to be insulted, and will not submit to any insolence from you.’ The Judge glared, but was rather particular ever after not to hurt the feelings of the jury.' ”