410
The Green Bag J_
of a good citizen had been taken on the unsupported word of a giddy, foolish,
gum-chewing girl, and that the prisoner
should not be permitted to escape the proper consequences for his murderous action, which was absolutely without written foundation Law" in had reason. been He invoked said the so often “Un~ and on such shadowy pretexts that he thought the more proper name would
minded men. 50 earnest was he that he mounted a chair and argued like an advocate in order to prevent them from staining their names with the infamy of convicting an innocent man. They listened to him with stony faces.
In all the hours of his laborious effort be had made not the least impression; there were eleven mulish men on the jury.
At last, worn completely out,
be “The Right of Murder Without Ex the crusader for mercy sat down. cuse." He didn't see how—even the “You want to acquit that man?" said greatest latitude — the “Unwritten Law" the foreman, calmly. could be stretched to apply to a case “I certainly will never be a party to where there was an absolute want of the shedding of innocent blood," re proof that the man had attempted a torted the juryman. wrong. “There's no likelihood of your coming Of course to Juryman Crafton, in his over to our side?" “I cannot vote against my oath and new frame of mind, such argument was mere sophistry. The state's attorney my conscience." had to earn his salary, and naturally The foreman smiled wearily. was putting up the best fight he could
in the circumstances.
He had the
wrong end of the case; that was all.
“Then we might as well go in and report, boys," he said. The jury filed back into the court
In the seclusion of the jury room a
room and ranged in front of the judge
foreman was elected, and a ballot taken.
After the clerk, had completed the roll
The result was eleven for guilty of murder in the first degree, and one for acquittal. The amazement of Juror Crafton at the imbecility of his com rades was boundless. Nothing but rank prejudice or pitiable ignorance could explain such conduct. He begged and
call, the judge said: “Gentlemen, I regret to inform you
pleaded with them to throw aside their
bias, and reason the thing out like fair
that owing to the misconduct of one Of your number there has been a mistrial
in this case.
I was just about to send
for you. Mr. Sheriff, you will please take in custody Juror Jonas Crafton, against whom an information has just been filed charging bribery."
Maeon, M0.
Why Will They Do It? Bv HARRY R. Burma:
TONE walls do not a prison make, Nor names a corporation.
I think this rule can be laid down Without elaboration.
