93 P. 89 | Cal. | 1907
[EDITORS' NOTE: THIS PAGE CONTAINS HEADNOTES. HEADNOTES ARE NOT AN OFFICIAL PRODUCT OF THE COURT, THEREFORE THEY ARE NOT DISPLAYED.] *534 Defendant was informed against by the district attorney of the county of Fresno for the crime of murder, was tried and found guilty of murder in the first degree. He moved for a new trial and in arrest of judgment, his motions were denied, and the judgment was pronounced, imposing the death penalty. From the judgment and order denying his motion for a new trial he prosecutes this appeal.
The defendant, with his brother, was accused of murdering a farmer and his wife who were camped by a roadside in the county of Fresno, shooting them both with a shotgun. The apparent motive of the crime was larceny. The evidence was circumstantial in its nature. Public feeling was much aroused by other crimes of violence which had been committed, and by another murder, that of a man named Jackson. Of the commission of these crimes this defendant was also suspected. The community, as was natural, was much exercised, and there was great prejudice against the defendant. It became a matter of difficulty, therefore, to secure upon the trial the fair and impartial jury to which every defendant is entitled. Some fifty-nine jurors called to the box were excused upon challenge for actual bias. Defendant's challenge to others upon the same ground was denied, and his counsel was obliged to interpose peremptory challenges to them. Defendant's peremptory *535 challenges were thus exhausted when only eight members of the jury had been obtained. Three of the last four were accepted by defendant without challenge for cause. The fourth was challenged for cause and the challenge overruled. While it is true that the erroneous overruling of a good challenge for cause, thereby compelling the use of a peremptory challenge, is not prejudicial error where it is not made to appear that the challenger was obliged afterward to accept an objectionable juror, without power to use a peremptory challenge upon him, it is equally true that where such a condition is shown to result, as here, the error at once becomes prejudicial, if the defendant has been obliged to exhaust his peremptory challenges in relieving himself from jurors who should have been excused by the court under challenge for cause, and the rulings of the court upon such jurors become a most important matter of review. It makes no difference in this respect that no challenges for cause were interposed by defendant to any jurors called to the box after the exhaustion of his peremptory challenges had been forced by the improper rulings of the court upon his challenges for cause. It may often happen that a juror most obnoxious to a defendant may successfully pass examination upon his voir dire. That examination may disclose no ground for the interposition of a challenge for cause. Yet there may be some reason known to the defendant which would make it most prejudicial to him that the juror should be retained. Even more, the right to exercise peremptory challenges is absolute. Such a challenge may be exercised upon the mere whim or caprice of defendant; so that again we say that any rulings of a court which compel a defendant to exhaust his peremptory challenges and force him to accept jurors after his challenges have been so exhausted, become the proper subject of review.
The modification of the common-law rule which has been worked by section
It is thus the established law that it must be affirmatively shown that the opinion which the juror holds was based upon one or all of the matters enumerated in section
These lengthy quotations have been made, not alone because they announce the well-settled law in this state, but because they are peculiarly apposite to the evidence touching the examination of jurors presented on this appeal.
The juror Seklemin testified on voir dire that he had read about the case and talked with people a little about it, but with no one who claimed to know anything about the facts. He had heard other people discuss it in his presence. He had formed an opinion in reference to the case, and he had that opinion at the time he was being examined, and it would take evidence to remove it. The opinion went directly to the guilt or innocence of the defendant, and if selected as a juryman it would require evidence to remove it before he could be perfectly free with reference to the trial of the case. This opinion was of such a nature that it would require less evidence, or evidence of less positive nature, to produce a conviction in his mind than it would if he had never heard of the case. This juror was challenged for cause, and upon redirect examination and recross-examination he was asked whether he could "listen to the testimony from the mouths of the witnesses here and obey the rules that you will hear the judge tell you in the end. Can you do that?" and the witness answered "I think I can, and I will; yes." Further, he testifies that he thinks he could give the defendant a fair and impartial trial. He thinks he could set aside the opinion that he has, though that opinion is one that would require evidence to remove. "It certainly would at this time, in my present frame of mind, require evidence to remove that opinion from me. I could set that opinion aside very easy, but not until I had heard some evidence on the part of the defendant. That is a positive fact. These statements that I have heard spoken by people I do not know whether they are true or false. I never heard them denied. Have no reason now to think they were untrue, and I would continue with that idea in view until the defendant placed some evidence *540 before me to the contrary." Again interrogated by the district attorney as to whether he could not and would not set aside this opinion and obey the instructions of the judge, he answers, "I think I can; yes." To the next appeal of the district attorney, "Won't you do that if the judge tells you that it is the law?" he answers, "I think I can set aside my present opinion. I will obey the instructions of the court, but I have a certain opinion. I think I can set that opinion aside." The final question is then asked: "Your conscientious opinion now is that you can and will do it, is that right?"
"A. Yes."
The court then interrogates the juror:
"Q. And you can do that and will do it?
"A. I think I can and I will.
"Q. You say you think you can. Do you know that you can?
"A. I know that I can."
The challenge was denied.
E.R. Winters testified that he discussed the case with his neighbors and read it in the papers. The people with whom he talked made statements in a general way about the case. They were people in whom he had confidence and had no reason to disbelieve them, and accepted their statements as true. From these statements, and from what he had heard and read generally, he had formed an opinion touching the guilt or innocence of the defendant, and he had that opinion still. "It is a fixed and settled opinion, at least to the extent that it would require some evidence to remove it. If selected as a juryman I would possibly require the prosecution to convince me beyond a reasonable doubt of the guilt of the defendant. In my present state of mind it would not require as much evidence to convince me of the guilt of this defendant in this case as it would where I had never heard anything about the facts and circumstances. It might require more evidence on the part of the defense to prove the young man innocent than it would in a case I had never heard anything about. Feeling as I do, and taking everything into consideration, what I have heard and read, and the opinion I have, I do not see why I could not fairly and impartially try the case at this time. From these things I have formed an opinion in a certain way, and that opinion would require evidence to *541 remove it. The mere direction or request on my part on my mind to lay aside that opinion would not be sufficient. I certainly would have to have evidence to lay aside that opinion that I now have." Further, he testifies that the opinion is formed solely upon statements in the newspapers and public rumors. It is not an unqualified opinion. That he is in a state of mind which would not prevent him from acting with entire impartiality. The challenge for cause interposed by the defense being denied by the prosecution, the juror further testifies, "By an unqualified opinion, I mean that I have not such an opinion, if there was sufficient evidence, that it could not be changed. I could change that opinion if there was evidence, but it would require, in my present frame of mind, evidence to change that opinion."
"Q. You read of the fact that the defendant had been accused of several different murders?
"A. Yes, sir. I don't know as that would tend to prejudice me against the defendant. It would take evidence to remove my opinion now. The opinion is based upon whether or not those things that I heard and read are true or not."
Upon this juror the defendant was required to exercise a peremptory challenge.
E. Neeley testified that he had read some of the accounts of the preliminary examination of the defendant, and never discussed the case, only just passing remarks with his neighbors. He had formed an opinion. "The opinion is one that, until evidence is introduced to remove it I will take with me into the jury box. I would have to have evidence on the part of the defense to change my mind. If the evidence brought out here in this case is different from what I have read that came out at the preliminary examination, then I have no opinion. I don't believe I could act just as fairly and impartially in this case if selected as a juryman as I could in a case that I have never heard anything about. The little impression that I have would bob up until all the evidence was in. I think that opinion or impression that I have would crop up in my consideration of the case. I don't know that I could handle this case as a juryman with the same degree of fairness and impartiality that I could in a case that I knew nothing about. I think that is the way I feel." This juror was challenged, and upon examination by the district attorney he *542 testified that his impression would go into the jury box with him; that he did not think it would prevent him from obeying the instructions of the court, and he did not think it would prevent him from acting with entire impartiality. If taken as a juror he would give his verdict according to the evidence and the instructions of the court. He would have to do it. He would do it to the best of his ability. Defendant's challenge for cause was disallowed.
George Wells read of the case in the newspapers and talked it over with people. He did not know whether the people he talked with knew the facts or not. The people with whom he talked were people in whom he had confidence. He never heard any statements to the contrary from what he heard from them. He did not know whether they were witnesses in the case or not. From what he had heard, he had formed an opinion with reference to the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The opinion was based on what he heard and read. "Do not know whether or not the things I have heard were from people who were witnesses or not. It would require evidence upon the part of the defendant to change my opinion. I could disregard the opinion if I heard different evidence. It is not such an opinion that it would influence me in the rendition of my verdict." He thinks that he feels that he could meet the qualifications of a juror. If he heard the same evidence he would have the same opinion. It is an opinion such that it would require less evidence to convict the defendant than if he never heard of the case. To that extent it would influence his mind as to the rendition of a verdict until the opinion was changed. The opinion is adverse to the defendant, and based not only upon what he had read, but upon the statements of people with whom he talked. The people were not witnesses that he knew of. He does not know whether they are or not. He could absolutely discard from his mind any opinion and listen to the evidence, and nothing else, and upon that alone, under the instructions of the court, render his verdict, and would not be influenced by the opinion that he then had; but still that opinion is so strong that it would require evidence to remove it from his mind. It is a fixed and settled opinion until it is changed. It is not absolutely changeless. Upon examination by the district attorney, in answer to the question: "Well, now, this is based upon *543 newspaper reports and public rumor, is it not?" he said, "Yes."
"Q. Solely based on that?
"A. Yes."
The challenge was denied and the juror peremptorily excused by the defense.
N.N. Norton, upon voir dire, testified that he had read pretty much all about the case, and conversed in regard to it with his neighbors. He did not know whether the people he talked with knew anything about the facts in the case or not. "I do not think they knew any more than I read in the papers, but I don't know." He had an opinion in reference to the guilt or innocence of the defendant. He thought that opinion would go with him into the jury box. It was unfavorable to the defendant, and it would take evidence on the part of the defendant to remove it. Was pretty sure that unless some affirmative evidence was introduced to change his mind with reference to the matter, the opinion would influence him in the rendition of the verdict. On cross-examination he testifies that the opinion formed in his mind is from newspaper reports alone. Asked if he would obey the instructions of the court and regard only the evidence introduced, he answers that he would try to do that. Asked whether he would find anybody guilty of a crime on newspaper report, he says he does not think he would. He does not think he would allow an unsworn newspaper report to influence his mind against testimony sworn to in court. Finally, asked by the court if he could fairly and impartially try the case and make up his verdict solely from the evidence and from the instructions, he answers, "I think so." The challenge to this juror was disallowed, and the defendant exercised a peremptory challenge upon him.
John Cobbey had read and heard of the crime with which the defendant was charged, and attended the preliminary examination of this defendant charged with the murder of Mr. Jackson. He had discussed the case and heard it discussed. He did not know whether the people with whom he talked were witnesses in this case or not. He does not think he talked with any one who was a witness; he does not know that they were. "Do not think I have talked with any of the officers in the case." He had formed an opinion as to *544 the guilt of the defendant. He recalled portions of what he heard and statements made in reference to the case. He heard people make statements in reference to this defendant being seen on the White's Bridge road on the afternoon the crime was committed. (Witnesses in the case did testify to seeing the defendant on the White's Bridge road on the afternoon of the day when the crime was committed.) Further, he testifies that the opinion could be removed by the same kind of evidence that it was formed with; that it was from public rumors. He rather thought he could try the case fairly and impartially; rather thought he could act with the same degree of fairness, if selected as a juror, as he could in a case where he had never read or heard anything about it. He would require just as much evidence on the part of the prosecution in this case as if he had never formed an opinion or impression. Further, he testifies that, feeling as he does now, it would require evidence of some kind or character to remove from his mind the opinion that he has touching the guilt of the defendant. Challenged, he testified that the opinion is made up of public opinion and newspaper reports. He thinks he could give the defendant the presumption of innocence. He thinks he could wholly discard the impression which he has, not act upon it, and not take it into consideration; but until he does receive some evidence — something of some kind — he would have this opinion, and it would require evidence — sworn or unsworn evidence — something, to remove it from his mind. The challenge for cause to this juror was disallowed and a peremptory challenge exercised upon him.
J.J. Wash, examined after the defendant had exercised all of his peremptory challenges, had read of the case, heard it discussed, and discussed it with others. He had an opinion, and believed that it would require evidence on the part of the defense to remove the opinion. It was adverse to the defendant. If the evidence was strong enough he could lay aside the opinion. The opinion was created from rumors and newspaper reports. "I could lay aside the opinion provided there was sufficient evidence produced to convince me that it was a mistake I am laboring under. Until that evidence was introduced I would have the opinion, but not necessarily a fixed or settled opinion. It would require evidence on the part of the defendant to remove the opinion, but until it was removed *545 by evidence it would influence me to the extent of requiring evidence to remove it." Challenge for cause interposed by the defense being denied, the juror further testified that if sworn as a juror he could and would depend upon the testimony as he heard it from the lips of the witnesses and the instructions of the court.
With these extracts from the examination of the jurors before us, we think little need of comment is required. The jurors were doubtless conscientious in their answers, but as to some it certainly cannot be said that they gave evidence of the impartiality of mind which alone would qualify them. In other instances, while in answer to leading questions from the district attorney they stated that their opinions were founded upon common notoriety or the public journals, it is made equally apparent that their opinions were not so founded. One had attended the preliminary examination of the defendant, which preliminary examination he thinks was for the murder of Jackson. He talked with a man who saw the defendant at White's Bridge on the afternoon of the homicide. Witness did testify to seeing this defendant at White's Bridge at that time. Other jurors testified that they did not know whether or not the persons with whom they talked were witnesses, or purported to know the facts. In each and all of these cases there is a failure to establish affirmatively that the opinion of the juror was based wholly upon public rumor or statements in the public journals or common notoriety. It is not sufficient to qualify a juror that he should be led to say that his opinion is based upon common rumor, when from his own lips the evidence discloses that it is not so founded. As to some of the jurors, it is apparent that they were biased, within the meaning of the code. As to others, it is not made apparent that their opinions were founded exclusively upon matters enumerated in section
In contemplation of the new trial which must necessarily result from the foregoing views, certain questions, which must arise upon such new trial, demand consideration. A juror *546 upon voir dire had stated that he held an opinion touching the guilt or innocence of the defendant in reference to the Jackson murder case. He was then asked if, believing the defendant guilty in the Jackson case, he had not formed an adverse opinion toward the defendant in the case at bar. The prosecution objected to this question and was sustained. The defense then propounded the following question: "Now, Mr. Colburn, you believe the defendant in this case is guilty in the Jackson matter?" To this, likewise, the prosecution's objection was sustained. These questions should have been allowed, — not only as tending to throw light upon the juror's condition of mind as to the matter under investigation, but also as legitimate inquiry for the purpose of determining whether a peremptory challenge should be interposed to him. In the very nature of the workings of the human mind, if the juror did believe the defendant to have been guilty of the Jackson murder, he was more likely to have believed him guilty of the murder here charged, and if, in fact, the juror did believe the defendant guilty of the Jackson murder, the defendant was clearly entitled to know this, to the end that he might peremptorily excuse him from sitting upon the jury.
A witness testified that on the day of the murder he met Mr. Hayes (the murdered man) and his wife, at White's Bridge. They were going West. He was asked if he had had any conversation with Mr. Hayes, and, answering "Yes," was told to give the conversation. The defense objected. The witness answered: "He said he was going to Fresno. He said he was unwell and was going to Fresno to see a doctor." It cannot be perceived how this evidence, even if in strictness inadmissible, could have been in the slightest degree injurious to the defendant, while elsewhere in defendant's brief it is contended that this very evidence is of importance and value to defendant, as showing that he could not have had any knowledge of the Hayes's plans, and thus could not have prearranged any plot for the murder.
The witness, McSwain, had taken measurements of the size of certain tracks made by bicycle wheels, it being contended by the prosecution that the defendant and his brother rode bicycles to the scene of the murder. The witness had lost the memorandum of the measurements, and was permitted, over objection, to testify that one of the tracks was about an *547
inch wide, and that the other was somewhat smaller. The rulings of the court were proper. In the absence of the memorandum the testimony was the best which could be afforded, and the evidence was admissible under the well-settled rule that a person may give his opinion on the question of identity, or his judgment of size, weight, color, quantity, distance, and time, — matters of opinion open to all men of ordinary information. (Raymond v.Glover,
Repeatedly, in the argument before the jury, the district attorney referred to the murder of Jackson, and of this defendant and his brother's connection with it: "Then all at once they were arrested and both in jail — two charges — Jackson killed, lonely old man out here — unoffending woman and man murdered. . . ." He could not have sworn to it if he had not been charged with the Jackson murder. ". . . We sought to prove that he had recognized him (defendant) before he was arrested and before the Jackson murder." It is sought to justify these remarks of the district attorney upon the ground that many of the jurors uponvoir dire were interrogated as to their knowledge of the Jackson murder, and of defendant's connection with it, as to whether or not the fact that the defendant was charged with this murder tended to influence the jurors' opinions in the case at bar, and other like questions. But, while it is apparent that the Jackson murder was a matter of common knowledge and notoriety in the community, and was doubtless in a general way known to every man upon the jury, yet, so far as this record discloses, there was no evidence upon the trial touching the murder, and the references of the district attorney to it, and to defendant's connection with it, were therefore improper.
The information in this case was filed upon the twenty-sixth day of May, 1906. This date was one of the holidays declared by the chief executive, following the earthquake and fire in the city and county of San Francisco. It is contended by defendant that the information was illegally filed and is therefore void. Section 73 of the Code of Civil Procedure declares that the superior court shall be always open, legal holidays and non-judicial days excepted. Section 134 of the same code *548
declares that no court shall be open nor shall any judicial business be transacted on a holiday, saving for the purposes enumerated. The presentation of an information by the district attorney for filing, and the reception of this information and the placing of its file-mark thereon by the clerk of the court, are all purely ministerial acts. (Ex parte Sterns,
Coming, finally, to the instructions: As to the one to the effect that there need be no appreciable space of time between the formation of the intent to kill and the act of killing, it is perhaps not necessary to suggest that such instruction should be given in the language indicated by People v. Maughs,
As has been said, throughout the case of the prosecution it was indicated and argued that larceny was the motive for these murders. The court instructed the jury as follows: "In this case it is not claimed by the prosecution that the homicide charged was committed in the perpetration or attempt to perpetrate another felony." It is manifest that the contention of the prosecution was at variance with this instruction, and while it may not be perceived that the giving of it was injurious to the defendant, yet certainly under the evidence it had no proper place in the case.
The evidence, while circumstantial, was sufficient to sustain the verdict.
We perceive no other matters calling for consideration, but for the reasons given the judgment and order are reversed and the cause remanded.
McFarland, J., Lorigan, J., and Beatty, C.J., concurred. *549