JURYMEN’S HONOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1926, Page 9

JURYMEN’S HONOUR.

A SERIOUS IMPUTATION. RESENTED BY JUDGE. WAS THE JURY “SQUARED?” Br Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, May 6. In an assault case at the Supreme Court counsel for the accused said he had been informed that there were four men on the jury who had been influenced against accused. Mr. Justice Reed asked if the suggestion was that they had been discussing the ease with people outside. Counsel assented, but said he was not allowed to say who told him. His Honour: Before you make so grave an allegation against members of the jury you should make due inquiry as to the accuracy of your information. The jury, who convicted the accused, added that they felt hurt at the remarks and considered counsel should be asked to withdraw them. His Honour: It was wrong of him to make the statement he did. In further discussion the judge said the statement was in effect that the jury were squared and if counsel could not give the name of the person who made the statement he had no right to make it, and was wrong to do so.