JUROR CENSURED

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1932, Page 9

JUROR CENSURED

JUDGE’S STRONG COMMENTS.

ATTITUDE DURING TRIAL.

A juryman’s unusual action in a case in a 'Sydney Court recently led to Judge Armstrong severely censuring him, the Judge’s comment including a statement that His Honour would not allow him ■to sit on a jury again. ■ - The case was that in which a youth was charged with breaking and entering a shop, with intent. About an hour after the jury retired, it returned to court and the foreman reported that ■there was no possibility of reaching an agreement. His Honour: I have been told of certain matters which I do not wish to repeat. The foreman: There may be a repetition of this. We would like you to know what the trouble is, “but we do not want to mention it in open court.

His Honour: It must 'be mentioned in open court. The evidence in this c«6e is all the one way. I will take measures to see that this does not occur again". If any of you jurymen wish to mention anything I would be pleased if you would mention it now. The foreman: I will say this, on behalf of my fellow jurymen— A juror: You will do nothing on my behalf. I will speak for myself. His Honour: If what lam told is correct, your coiiduct is not that of a good citizen. Tho juror: On the contrary, I affirm that my conduct is that of a good citizen.

His Honour: I will see that your name is struck off from juries which sit before me.

Another juror: This gentleman stated io the jury that he would not believe the statement of a policeman, and that is what sVe take exception to. The juror: That is an untruth. His Honour: I will take steps to see that if you are before me again you will be struck, off. The juror: I thank you very much for that. Do you wish me io come here to-morrow.

His Honour: Yes, but you will not 'be on the jury again. I can tell you that plainly. 'The jury was discharged and the accused was remanded on bail for trial.

In. discharging tho jury at the end of their panel on the following day Judge Armstrong said: “With the exception of one gentleman, I thank you verymuch for your attendance and services.”