State v. Miller

194 A.2d 729, 41 N.J. 65, 1963 N.J. LEXIS 138

Opinion

The opinion of the court was delivered

Pee Curiam.

Defendant, charged with murder, sought an order permitting his assigned counsel to engage a private in vestigator at the expense of the county. The trial court denied the application, and we granted defendant’s motion for leave to appeal.

There is no dispute that defendant is indigent. The prosecutor has been commendably cooperative, but nonetheless we think a private investigator should be authorized to find and interview the individuals who were present on the premises when the offense was allegedly committed. State v. Horton, 34 N. J. 518, 534 (1961). It is of course incumbent upon counsel to see that the investigation is conducted within reasonable limits and the trial court can exert suitable controls to that end.

The order is reversed with directions for the entry of order in harmony with this opinion.

For reversal—Chief Justice Weintraub, and Justices Jacobs, Erancis, Proctor, Hall, Schettino and Hane-man—7.

For affirmance—Hone.