People v. Howland

Defendant below, defendant in error here, was charged with perjury in certain testimony given by him before the grand jury. After presentation of the People’s evidence the court, on motion, directed a verdict of not guilty. The People bring the cause here for review on a question of law, as to whether the alleged false testimony given was upon a material matter.

The circumstances under investigation by the grand jury were these: Defendant, a member óf the legislature, while that body was in session and he in attendance, received by messenger a package of money. He was thereafter interrogated,…