Case No. 15,314.

UNITED STATES v. HARRIS.

[12 Blatchf. 434.]¹

Circuit Court, S. D. New York.

Jan., 1875.

CRIMINAL LAW—EVIDENCE—PROOF OF OTHER CRIMES—SMUGGLING.

On the trial of an indictment for smuggling, an officer of the customs, having given evidence for the defendant, the court refused to allow the counsel for the United States to interrogate him as to violations of the revenue laws committed by him, but in no way connected with the charge under consideration, for the purpose of discrediting him as a witness.

This was an indictment [against David P. Harris] for smuggling.

Ambrose H. Purdy, Asst. Dist. Atty.

Samuel G. Courtney, for defendant

Before BENEDICT, District Judge.

An officer of the customs, having given evidence for the defendant, the court refused to allow the counsel for the United States to interrogate him as to violations of the revenue laws committed by him, but in no way connected with the charge under consideration, for the purpose of discrediting him as a witness.

¹ [Reported by Hon. Samuel Blatchford, District Judge, and here reprinted by permission.]

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