The New York herald., 1921-02-23
GIGGLING WOMEN
ELECTED BY JUDGE
AT MURDER TRIAL
They Go to HackenSack
Court to See Mrs. Maley
Conduct Defence.
SHE DEFENDS GLEASON
Associated With Her Hus-
band in Case Involving
Slain Policeman.
WILL MAKE ADDRESSES
Feminine LAWYER Sets Jersey
Precedent-Sure of Clients
Acquittal.
WILL MAKE ADDRESSES

FEMININE giggles which burst over
the courtroom in the Bergen County
Court House, in Hackensack yester-
day afternoon caused Supreme Court
Justice Charles W. Parker to look
annoyed. When two distinct waves
rolled down to the bench he thundered
an order that the courtroom should
be cleared of all persons except those
directly concerned with the trial of
William Gleason. twenty years OF age,
who is charged with the murder of
Patrolman William Ritter last Sep
tember.
Somehow the Justice seemed 10 think
that Mrs Augusta Emile Maiey, who Is
associated with her husband, Patrick
Henry Maley of Hackensack, as counsel
for the defendant, might be responsible
for the unusual number of women
present in the court room. 1t is the first
time that a woman has appeared in New
Jersey for the defence in a capital case.
and yesterday being holiday women
from Little Ferry, Ridgeheld and other
suburban towns poured into the court
room.
They had ample warning from Justice
Parker that giggles were out OF place.
After the first outburst he declared that
second one would Danish them. But
they just couldn't remember TO control
themselves when witness said some
thing that seemed amusing. SO they
burst into a litter again and the Justice
sent them flying.
Would Not stand Levity.
Before doing so, however. he delivered
short sermon on levity. 1t was: "Ths
Is court Of justice not a place of
amusement. l will not stand levity. The
order of the court must be maintained.
And the petticoated offenders rustled up
the aisles and were shooed out After
which the witnesses for the prosecution
resumed their testimony.
Mrs. Maley apparently sympathized
with the Justice. and her eyes followed
the retreating forms of the gigglers with
evident relief. The counsel for the de-
fence. who will open the case for the
defendant to-day and will sum up. Is
thoroughly composed and busnesslike
herself She could not possibly condone
such disrespect.
AS for young Gleason. Mrs. Maley
said after court had adjourned that
she is so certain of the youths inno-
cence, declaring that he unfortunately
became involved in the crime when he
and his companions were intoxicated
that she is throwing every resource into
the case.
But the big noise, so far as she is
concerned" said Mr.. Maley when the
partners in marriage and law were
seated in an adjoining room, lis to be
made by my associate. And | don't say
this because she's my wife" he added
She'll distinguish herself with the best
lawyers Of the country"
Her Modest Remembrance.
Don't say that" modestly remon-
strated Mrs Maley.
I'm saying it, not YOU" her hus-
But ] may not do it," she objected.
To which he replied with a glance that
said. Tell that to any one but me"
This is Mrs. Maley's first capital case.
Heretofore the young New York woman
has worked only on civil caess. She
started her career as a teacher. studied
law without spending cent for tuition,
and never went to law school who mar
ried her associate and then set up a
legal partnership. has only worked on
civil cases.
such a case as this Is a great re-
sponsibility." she said "Its too much
work. could not work myself into
the proper spirit unless I believed that
the boy is not guilty. I am S2t in
/ favor OF capital punishment. There
+ fore / would not prosecute such case.
NV whole spirit wants to defend the ac-
/ cused
And just say that am satisfied with
! the jury, though 7 do favor women on
! iuries." she volunteered. "I think this
| trial would be interesting II we had six
men and six women In the jury box.
1 To this Mr. Maley agreed.
Mrs Maley announced that she will
show that young Gleason had slendid
war record while in France that after
/ he returned he found employment
through an officer in his company, and
/ that nc was honorably discharged from
the service.