Newspapers and JurOrs -.sst have


formed an Upi iuiOn.0 aS'
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This frequent answer Of jurors called to
try capital or other important cases is now
Beginning to occupy public attention, and
Inquiries are making how far such an an
swer can legally excuse juror from serv-
ing on the panel. In the 4th Wend. it ap-
pears that Mr.. Justice Marcy, makes a
man incompetent who says s.he has made
up his mind in case from reading a
newspaper, and if the report be true, he
believes the prisoner guilty." Judge Ed
monds believes that this was mere opin-
ion, as practical illustration; and not to
be deemed a set decision. In commanding
the services Of jurors as right, conferred
upon the administration Of Justice, Courts
OF Law should be cautious in receiving
the objections Of persons to serve on a
jury predicated upon what they read in
the newspapers. It is the practice to re-
port every examination or case which oc-
ours in our Police, in the newspapers Of
the day. In these reports nothing but
eIpaste testimony is heard. They are
mere complaints on suspicion, or probably
predicated on more sure grounds. But no
defence appears; the accusation only is
read in the newspapers, consequently a
citizen has right to say eff what have
read be true, | have made up my mind
that the Prisoner is guilty;" but little re-
Aection should convince him that this opin-
ion cannot disqnalify him from serving on a
Jury, because it is founded on erpaste testi-
nony. The question should rather be,
lido you from your own knowledge know
any thing respecting the guilt or innocence
Of the accused, which would disqualify
you from sitting as Juror the case
If he does, he Is not competent to try the
case, but mere opinion based upon what
he has read in the newspapers, should
never form the basis of his rejection from
| the panel. Besides, those who do not Wisl
to serve would be apt to fall back uponths
old experiment Of s'I've made up an opin
ion." 1fall who read the newspapers. ca,
be legally excused from. serving on a jury
panel after panel may be exhausted an,
the ends Of justice thereby defeated. w,
should be glad to have this subject cooA
and dispassionately discussed before th'
Supreme Court, and some definite actioi
Obtained in the premises, 50 as to insur'
hereafter intelligent and willing juries.