Prohibition Powerpoint - LS Home Page

"Jurors Go On Trial, Drank Up Evidence,” NYT, Jan. 7, 1928In the same court where they heard testimony last Friday afternoon that acquitted a liquordefendant eight jurors went on trial today before Municipal Judge Ambrose to show causewhy they should not be suspended from further jury service for drinking the evidence in thecase.The ninth member of the jury, A. A. Huelester, collapased soon after the Magistrate had assailedthe jurors vigorously for a "breach of conduct." Mr. Huelesteer was removed to his homeon orders of a county jail physician who examined him. Though earlier in the day the Judgehad discharged nine members of the jury when they refused to take the stand and denyconsuming virtually all of the evidence against George Beven, hotel clerk. He finallyappointed attorneys to represent them.Sworn to tell the truth, the eight jurors took the stand and gave their stories as to whathappened in the jury room during the three hours it took to determine the case of Beven,who was acquitted of violation of the State Prohibition act. Judge Ambrose heard thecharges of drinking the evidence in silence. The jurors all admitted drinking the pint ofliquor which was the prosecution's chief exhibit against Beven. All denied it was consumedwithout an honorable motive. They stated it was sampled to determine whether it was ofalcoholic content and actually constituted a violation of the liquor law.The magistrate considered the pleadings of the two lawyers appointed by him to get at the factsof the case. He agreed to go over the circumstances again in his mind and decide Monday at9:30 A.M. whether to reinstate the nine accused jurors.