In Re Longo

4 A.2d 15 | N.J. | 1939

This is an application for certiorari to review an order of the Hudson County Court of Quarter Sessions denying a new trial to the defendant in a criminal case which was sought on the ground of newly discovered evidence. The alleged newly discovered evidence had to do with charges of false swearing by certain jurors when examined upon their voir dire, challenges for bias and prejudice having been interposed.

We have examined the proofs submitted and deem the grounds upon which the writ is sought to be without merit.

However, an important question is the propriety of reviewing an order denying a new trial by certiorari. No precedent is cited for such procedure, prosecutor taking the position that the matter is not reviewable on writ of error and, therefore, it must be reviewable by certiorari.

We think not. The orders of a court of common law jurisdiction in the exercise of its judicial functions are reviewable by appeal after final judgment, and not by certiorari. TaylorProvision Co. v. Adams Express Co., 72 N.J.L. 220. Where a court sits as a special statutory tribunal and not in the exercise of its common law jurisdiction, certiorari is a proper remedy. Eder v. Hudson County Circuit Court, 104 Id. 260. And the proceedings of an inferior tribunal are reviewable oncertiorari where it exceeds its jurisdiction. Meller v.Kaighn, 89 Id. 543; Rutherford National Bank v. McKenzie,120 Id. 594. But neither of these elements is present in the case under consideration.

We conclude that the order sought to be brought up, if reviewable at all and to whatever extent reviewable, is reviewable on writ of error and not by certiorari. The application is denied.