Murphy v. Zimmerman

155 A. 463, 9 N.J. Misc. 728, 1931 N.J. Sup. Ct. LEXIS 239

• Court: Supreme Court of New Jersey
• Decided: June 29, 1931
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam.

This is on plaintiff’s rule to show cause why a new trial should not be granted. Various grounds are listed in the rule but the alleged misconduct of a juror is the only reason now presented. Verdict had been for the defendant in both cases, tried together.

The contention on the rule is that the defendant before trial was seen talking near the probation officer’s room in the court house with a man who was later drawn on the panel to try the case, that while the attorney for the plaintiffs was summing up this juror was seen to grin and wink at the defendant, and that the juror went down in the same elevator with the defendant after the trial. It is significant that the matter was not, in any of its phases, called to the attention of the court until after the verdict.

All of these allegations are denied. We are not satisfied that the alleged incidents actually occurred, but even on the assumption that they did happen we find no reason for a new trial. The alleged acts of misconduct were known to the plaintiffs, according to the testimony advanced by the latter, contemporaneously with the occurrences. The first incident could have been met by a challenge when the juror was drawn. The second incident should have been followed by timely complaint lodged with the court. It was not for the plaintiffs to sit by and gamble with their knowledge against the verdict. The third incident was after the rendition of the verdict and seems quite pointless. But in any event no improper communication, partisan influence, purposeful meeting, ulterior motive or consequent effect is shown or even intimated.

The rule will be discharged, with costs.