State v. Samurine

The defendants, Harold and Gertrude Samurine, were convicted of obtaining money by false pretenses, contrary to N. J. 8. A. 3A :111-1. The Appellate Division reversed the convictions and directed judgments of acquittal be entered in favor of both defendants. The matter comes before us on our granting the State’s petition for certification. 35 N. J. 539.

At the trial one Metrick was the principal witness for the State. On the first day, during direct examination, he mentioned that Harold' Samurine had “a criminal record.” Defendant’s counsel moved for a mistrial, which was denied. On the…