DocketNumber： Docket No. 120
Judges： Bird, Brooke, Clark, Moore, Sharpe, Steere, Stone
Filed Date： 6/7/1920
Status： Precedential
Modified Date： 10/18/2024
(dissenting). An indictment was returned by the grand jury of Wayne county against defendant, G. Lewis Carter and Myron D. White, charging them with having, on the 20th day. of June, 1917, and on divers other days and times between that date and
In order to avoid repetition, a statement of the case will be made in connection with the assignment that the trial court was in error in refusing to direct a verdict for defendant on the ground that the proofs did not make a case for the jury.
Up to July 1, 1917, Hubbell, the engineer, had indicated no particular location on Connors creek which he desired purchased. It appears that he had concluded in his own mind the desirable location but had disclosed it to no one. Soon after July 1st he took the defendant, by reason of his position as chairman of the sewer committee, to the particular site which
Following this, and on July 24, 1917, George H. Fenkell, commissioner of public works, sent a communication to the council asking permission to purchase certain lands in the Connors creek district, describing them, for $98,000. This communication was acted upon at once. Defendant, who was alderman and chairman of the sewer committee, offered a resolution authorizing the department of public works to purchase the premises for the sum of $98,000. This resolution was referred' to the sewer committee, of which
On September 4th Alderman Lodge moved a reconsideration of the vote authorizing the purchase of the premises, but this was lost. At this same meeting, a communication was received from the mayor vetoing the resolution authorizing the department of public works to purchase the property, expressing the opinion therein that all real property purchased for the city should be obtained by condemnation proceedings. An attempt was then made to override the mayor’s veto, but the attempt failed and the city attorney was authorized to begin condemnation proceedings to obtain the property.
In explanation of some of the matters stated herein it was shown:
(а) That the communication which Fenkell sent to the council asking authority to purchase the premises for $98,000 was prepared either by defendant or at his office and left at Fenkell’s office for him to sign. Up to this time Fenkell was not aware of the particular tract selected.
(б) That defendant was a real estate dealer and had for some time and up to July 6, 1917, occupied a portion of Carter’s office.
(c) That defendant saw Leach’s sign on the property when Hubbell, the engineer, showed him,the prem
(d) That Leach would have sold the property to Fenkell for the city for $59,000, the same as he did to Carter.
(e) Testimony was offered tending to show that White was a myth.
As is usual in cases of this character the proofs relied upon to establish the conspiracy were circumstantial. The facts and circumstances shown were ample, if believed, to justify an inference that defendant and Carter were working together in pursuance of a common understanding to purchase the site and resell it to the city at an advanced price and retain the difference for themselves. Of course, it is possible that the several acts of defendant and Carter had no relation to each other, but they are also susceptible of a different inference. Just what inference should be drawn therefrom was a question which, was clearly within the province of the jury. They having reached a conclusion thereon adverse to defendant’s. contention, it must close the inquiry upoiV this phase of the case.
If the theory of the prosecution be true, defendant acted a lie throughout the entire transaction. He pre
“There is no evidence in this case that the city was, or could have been, defrauded because all the evidence agrees that the property was fairly and reasonably worth the sum proposed to be paid. Therefore, your verdict must be ‘not guilty.’ ”
This request was refused and instead the following " was given:
“Whether or not any gain was-made by the defendant, any loss by the city, or whether any loss could have been sustained by the city if the agreement or sale had been carried out, is immaterial for the actual value of the property is immaterial. The question is, Did Mr. Schultz know, or have reason to believe, that the property could be obtained for the use of the city for a much less sum than $98,000? If he did, then it was his duty to purchase the property at the best possible price. * * * I instruct you that it was the duty of Mr. Schultz, in the capacity of alderman and chairman of the sewer committee, to protect the interests of the city, and if he fraudulently and unlawfully entered into any arrangement with Carter whereby through his knowledge as an officer of the*303 city and through, his power in that capacity, an attempt was made to cheat or defraud the city by paying for the site in question more than was necessary to pay for it, and more than he knew was necessary to pay for it, then he may be found guilty of the conspiracy as charged in this indictment.”
The charge of the court upon the question is a correct exposition of the law as applied to the facts of this case and is at the same time a complete answer to defendant’s contention as embodied in his request.
“As it was legally impossible to have made this purchase, how can it be said that a man may be indicted and tried for conspiracy to do that which admittedly could not be done?”
Had defendant been indicted for having defrauded the city out of $39,000, by means of false pretenses, this contention would have some force. When, however, he is indicted for conspiring with others to defraud the city out of $39,000, by means of false pretenses, it is immaterial whether he succeeds in doing so or whether it would have been possible to do so. In order to justify a conviction, it is not necessary to show that the conspiracy was accomplished. People v. Clark, 10 Mich. 310; People v. Gilman, 121 Mich. 187 (46 L. R. A. 218).
In the latter case it was observed:
“It is said that the information charged a conspiracy to defraud one who could not be defrauded, because he knew the representations to be false. The conspiracy is complete when it is formed and the guilt or innocence of the conspirators does not depend upon the success of the enterprise.”
And it was held in Ochs v. People, 124 Ill. 399 (16 N. E. 662), that it is immaterial that the accomplish
“But it is up to you, as twelve honest, intelligent citizens, in view of these undisputed facts, and in view of this, that no man has raised his voice to explain away these mysteries that could have been explained, if they were honest. My friend says that he would have a fat chance, with White under indictment, with Carter under indictment, of getting anything out of them. I stated to you a minute ago that every man was presumed to be innocent until he was proven guilty; and if that presumption amounts to one living thing in this country, it amounts to this, that no innocent man need be afraid to go before the court and tell the truth. Isn’t that so?
“Mr. Mur fin: An exception.
“Mr. Nichols: No innocent man — I think I am perfectly justified in view of the statement that he would have had a fat chance, and I make no reference to anyone but Carter.
“The Court: Your reference was to Carter and White?
“Mr. Nichols: My reference was to Carter and this so-called White whom my friend said he could not get anything out of because they were under indictment. And I. say, under indictment or not, if Mr. White, in a legitimate way had ascertained or learned of this property, and that the city wanted it, and that he learned of it and actually needed it for manufacturing purposes, no indictment should stand in the way of his coming here and telling the truth.”
The prosecutor insists that the argument did not come within the terms of the statute, and further, that he was simply replying to an argument of defendant’s counsel who preceded him.
The prosecutor’s argument appears on its face to have been prompted by the argument of defendant’s
But aside from this we are not impressed that the foregoing statute was violated. As soon as objection was raised the prosecutor stated that his argument had no reference to defendant, but was aimed at Carter and White. This then raises the question whether the statute was violated by the prosecutor, in making reference to the fact that the codefendants did not testify in the case.
The statute involved provides:
“* * * That a defendant in any criminal case or proceedings shall only at his own request be deemed a competent witness, and his neglect to testify shall not create any presumption against him, nor shall the court permit any reference or comment to be made to or upon such neglect.” 3 Comp. Laws 1915, § 12552.
The same or similar statutory provisions are in force in many of the States and the construction placed thereon will be helpful in construing our own with reference to this question.
It is said in 12 Cyc. p. 578, that:
“While many cases hold that it is not error for the prosecuting attorney to comment on the failure of the accused to produce certain witnesses, where such witnesses, if produced, would be competent to testify, no comment should be allowed on the absence of a witness not shown to be competent.”
Corpus Juris (Vol. 16, p. 906) has this to say on the question:
“The prosecuting attorney may refer to or comment upon the failure of a codefendant to testify as a witness, although such comment is improper if accused has offered his codefendant as a witness and the latter has availed himself of his privilege and declined to testify,” — citing in support thereof: People v. Ruef, 14 Cal. App. 576 (114 Pac. 48); People v. Ye Foo, 4 Cal. App. 730 (89 Pac. 450) ; State v. Madden, 170 Ia. 230 (148 N. W. 995) ; McElwain v. Commonwealth, 146 Ky. 104 (142 S. W. 234); Davis v. Commonwealth, (Ky), 121 S. W. 429; State v. Mathews, 98 Mo. 125 (10 S. W. 144, 11 S. W. 1135).
In McElwain v. Commonwealth, supra, it is held:
A statutory prohibition against comment on failure of accused to testify applies only to defendant on trial, and does not prevent the attorney for the prosecution from commenting on the failure of a codefendant who had demanded a separate trial and was - not on trial to testify.
In State v. Madden, supra, which was a prosecution for conspiracy, it was said:
“The county attorney, in argument, referred to the fact that James Saling, jointly indicted with defendant on trial, did not become a witness in the case. This was objected to, and the court held that section 5484 of the code applies only to the defendant then oh trial. It seems to have been so decided by this court. State v. Hogan, 115 Iowa, 455, 460 (88 N. W. 1074).”
“ ‘Now, gentlemen, there is Mr. Cummings, there is Mr. Taylor. If Cameron and Garmon don’t tell the truth about that interview, why didn’t they bring Cummings and Taylor to testify about it?’
“And again Mr. Ward said:
“ ‘Now, gentlemen of the jury, you can see why it is these men are not called. Even the deposition of Mr. Gates is not here any more.’ ”
This court, in holding the comments were not error, said:
“There are many cases which justify comment upon the failure of a party to produce particular witnesses, and the rule extends to criminal cases. 3 Rice on Evidence, 29; State v. Ward, 61 Vt. 153 (17 Atl. 483). It is not an unqualified right, and depends upon the circumstances of the case. We think it applies to a deposition taken by the party and not used, and to accomplices and other witnesses within their control, or with whom they are, or have been, closely associated, especially where such witnesses are in a position to speak on matters damaging to such party, already in evidence.”
The question was before the court in People v. O’Brien, 68 Mich. 468. In that case the prosecuting attorney commented on the fact that defendant did not produce his father who might have contradicted certain evidence which was admitted. This court held that it was error but put it upon the ground that the testimony to which the prosecutor referred was erroneously admitted.
The question, was referred to in People v. Lay, 193 Mich. 17, 32 (L. R. A. 1917B, 608), where Lay, Jr., Lay, Sr., and one Palmer had been indicted for embezzlement. Lay, Jr., was on trial. The other de
“In all these cases remarks of the prosecuting attorney with reference to the failure of the accused to take the stand were held to constitute reversible error. In the case at bar the record discloses no remarks on the part of counsel for respondent, which would tend to excuse or justify the criticism of the prosecuting attorney. The statute does not prohibit reference to the fact that witnesses other than the accused have failed to testify, though in our opinion such reference might well have been omitted.”
But it is argued that the prosecution would have had no right to call upon either Carter or White to be sworn, and put them upon their refusal, and the case of People v. Van Alstine, 57 Mich. 69, is cited in support thereof. The real question determined in that case was that “where parties .are jointly indicted or informed against, and one chooses a separate trial, he cannot force a co-respondent to testify without his consent or request.” This deals with his qualification and not with his privilege, which was afterwards commented upon. What was said therein on the question of privilege was afterwards overruled by the McGarry Case, supra, but if there be any doubt as to this the doubts must be dispelled by the more recent case of People v. Maloy, 204 Mich. 524, wherein the precise question was determined adversely to defendant’s contention. In the latter case the prosecutor called a co-defendant who was not upon trial, and put her upon her refusal. It was complained of by defendant in the following language:
“Why did the prosecutor indorse upon the information the name of Jessie Emmons, and call her as a witness on behalf of the people? She was complained*309 against with the respondent, although they were informed against singly. He knew that she would not take the stand and give testimony favorable to the people. * * * It was done so questions might be asked of her before the jury and compel her, or her counsel, to make a claim of privilege. This would, and did, prejudice the jury.”
This court held that the conduct of the prosecuting attorney complained of in this respect was not reversible error. Grimm v. People, 14 Mich. 300, the other case relied upon, has no application because it was written before the amendment to the statute in 1881. Our conclusion is that the comments of the prosecutor complained of 'are not within the statute, and that the statute applies only to the defendant, or defendants, on trial.
“You are simply to consider the facts and consider the results of these facts as you arrive at them yourselves. You can take into consideration, all the facts, all the evidence, as for instance, the failure of the principals, Carter and White, if you consider that as material, to be here in this case.” .
Under this instruction the jury were at liberty to draw unfavorable inferences against either the prosecution or the defendant for the absence of Carter and White. The first duty of the jury under the instruction was to determine whether the failure of Carter and White to be in attendance at the trial was material; if they concluded it was material, they were at liberty to draw unfavorable inferences against the prosecution for its failure to produce them, if they were within the jurisdiction of the court. State v. Smallwood, 75 N. C. 104. On the other hand, if the jury believed Carter and White could have explained the suspicious circumstances with which defendant
This rule was applied in State v. Greve, 17 Kan. 458. The defendant was informed against for grand larceny. The testimony tending to show his guilt was circumstantial. The trial court charged the jury as follows:
“The jury should not find the defendant guilty because he may have no evidence to show his whereabouts at the time the offense charged is alleged to have been committed, nor to show where or from whom he received any of the money spoken of by witnesses. Nor will they presume that his character is bad, simply because he has offered no testimony of his good character. But where evidence which would rebut or explain certain facts and circumstances of a grave and suspicious nature, is peculiarly within the defendant’s knowledge and reach, and he makes no effort to procure that testimony, the jury may very properly take such fact into consideration in determining the prisoner’s guilt or innocence. But no inference of guilt is to be drawn from the omission of the defendant and his wife to testify.”
Mr. Justice Brewer, in speaking for the court, said:
“The special objection of appellant is, of course, to the next to the last sentence. It seems to us that that clause is only a recognition of a well understood principle of human action. The instinct of self-preserva*311 tion impels one in peril of the penitentiary to produce whatever testimony he may have to deliver him from such peril. Every man will do what he can to shield himself from the disgrace of a conviction of crime, and the burden of punishment. We all know this. We all expect it. Whenever, therefore, a fact is shown which tends to prove crime upon a defendant, and any explanation of such fact is in the nature of the case peculiarly within his knowledge and reach, a failure to offer an explanation must tend to create a belief that none exists. Will not a man, who can, explain that which unexplained will stamp him a criminal and consign him to the felon’s cell? The criminal law furnishes in its rules more than one illustration of this principle. The possession of recently stolen property casts upon the possessor the duty of explaining ■such possession. Why? Because the fact and manner of acquiring that possession are peculiarly within his knowledge and reach, and the instinct of self-preservation will compel him to give an explanation thereof consistent with his innocence, if any such explanation exists.”
The rule was stated in Doty v. State, 7 Blackf. (Ind.) 427. In that case the trial court charged the jury:
“That if the defendant has omitted to avail himself of evidence within his reach, by which he might have repelled that which was offered to his prejudice, his omission to do so supplies a strong presumption that the charge is well founded.”
The appellate court held this was error because it made the presumption one of law rather than one of fact. After doing so, the rule we are considering was very clearly stated by the court:
“It is undoubtedly true, that when circumstances are proved which induce a strong suspicion of the prisoner’s guilt, but which, if untrue, it is manifest he can disprove, or, if reconcilable with his innocence, he can explain, and he fails to disprove or explain them, the jury are authorized to draw from such failure a forceable inference against him. 2 Starkie on*312 Evidence, 937. But this inference is merely a presumption of fact, and does not constitute a presumption of law to be given by the court to the jury as a fixed and binding rule of jurisprudence. The failure is a circumstance which, like any other circumstantial evidence, the jury are to weigh, and of the weight and tendency of which they are the sole judges.”
These cases are illustrative of the rule and show its application. They'are supported by all of the cases cited. It will be noted that the instruction complained of is clearly within this rule. The recorder mentioned neither of the parties but left the jury to determine whether any inferences were to be drawn, and, if so, against whom. In view of the fact that both counsel had argued the question to the jury, each side drawing different inferences, it was fitting that the court should refer to it as he did, and no error was committed in so doing.
We are impressed from the whole record that the defendant had a fair and impartial trial. The charge of the court was fair, able and instructive, and we are of the opinion that no errors are alleged which call for a reversal of the case.
The judgment of conviction should be affirmed.
I do not agree with the conclusions reached by my Brother Bird in this case. The indictment charges a conspiracy to defraud the city of Detroit of a sum of money by “false pretenses, subtle means and devices.” It is claimed for defendant that there was no evidence that any false pretenses were used or agreed to be used and that, therefore, a verdict should have been directed for the defendant.
The first question, then, for determination, is whether the use of a false pretense is an essential element of the crime, conspiracy to perpetrate which the defendant is charged. The indictment is for a criminal
It is not claimed that there is any direct evidence of an agreement to use false pretenses in the present case, and, unless there is some evidence that some false pretense was actually made, from which an antecedent agreement might fairly be inferred, a verdict should have been directed for defendant. There is no evidence that there was made to any of the officers or
“It is not necessary in considering this question of conspiracy charged in the indictment in this case to find that any false pretenses were actually involved. In other words, that the defendant or any alleged co-conspirator made a false representation of a material fact to the city of Detroit or to someone in its behalf, or that the said city of Detroit or someone in its behalf relied upon these so-called false pretenses, to the damage of it, the said city.”
This instruction was, I think, erroneous under the authorities cited and cannot be’ regarded as without prejudice, even if it be conceded that the proofs adduced were such as to warrant a jury in finding that defendant had been guilty of acts indicating use of false pretenses. No agreement to use such pretenses was shown and the jury were instructed that the actual use of such pretenses was unnecessary to support conviction.
The prosecuting attorney, in his argument to the jury, commented on the failure of the defense to call two men who were jointly indicted with the defendant as co-conspirators, and the court instructed the jury that they could take into'Consideration the failure
The verdict should be set aside and a new trial ordered.
I agree with Justice Bird that the trial judge correctly overruled defendant’s motion for a directed verdict. I agree with Justice Brooke that the argument of the prosecutor, taken in connection with the charge of the court on the subject given at the request of the prosecution, constitutes reversible error.