Majority
Headnote
(1) . Writ of Prohibition.The return states that a written information was laid before the magistrate charging, upon information and belief, that certain persons therein named had committed a definite and specific crime. The information itself was not made a part of the return because in the opinion of respondent public policy forbade, but it was expressly stated that the relator himself was not charged with any offense.
If the return was not full enough the relator should have moved for a further return instead of moving for an absolute writ upon the papers as they were. He neither traversed the return as made nor moved for a new one, but in effect demurred to the fact stated as insufficient to show jurisdiction in the magistrate to proceed with the investigation. Upon a motion for an absolute writ without a trial of the issues, the return was conclusive as to all matters denied by the respondent and as to any new matter alleged therein not denied by the relator, including the substance of the information.
It is insisted that the information should have been sworn’to in order to give the magistrate jurisdiction to take any action, but the return shows «by fair implication that this was the fact, for it is alleged that the information in writing charged “ upon the information and belief of the affiant ” that a crime had been committed by a person named. An affiant is one who has made an affidavit, and an affidavit is a written statement
It is further claimed that the information, even if sworn to, was insufficient because the allegations thereof were stated only upon information and belief, and that it does not appear that the sources of information or the grounds of belief were set forth.
Originally an information was a criminal proceeding at the suit of the king without a previous indictment or presentment by a grand jury. It could be preferred only by a responsible public officer when duly supported by affidavit, was limited to misdemeanors and was a substitute for an indictment. In this sense it is unknown to the law of this state. By the Revised Statutes it was called a complaint relating to a criminal offense. (3 R. S. 706.) By the Code of Criminal Procedure it is defined as “ the allegation made to a magistrate, that a person has been guilty of some designated crime.” (Code Cr. Pro. § 145.) The statute does not expressly provide that is to be sworn to, nor even that it must be in writing, although the word “allegation” from the analogy'of other judicial proceedings points to that formality. Some light is thrown upon the substance and office of the information by other sections, which we quote as follows:
“ When an information is laid before a magistrate, of the commission of a crime, he must examine under oath the informant or prosecutor, and any witnesses he may produce, and take their depositions in writing, and cause them to be subscribed by the parties making them.” (§ 148.)
“ The depositions must set forth the facts stated by the prosecutor and his witnesses, tending to establish the commission of the crime and the guilt of the defendant.” (§ 149.)
“ If the magistrate be satisfied therefrom, that the crime complained of has been committed and that there is reason
able ground to believe that the defendant has committed it, he must issue a warrant of arrest.” (§ 150.)
The form for a warrant, as authorized by section 151, contains the following recital: “ Information upon oath, having been this day laid before me that the- crime of has been committed and accusing,” etc.
Section 194 provides that “ At the examination (after the arrest of the accused) the magistrate must, in the first place, read to the defendant the depositions of the witnesses examined on the taking of the information,” etc.
“ The magistrate or his clerk must keep the depositions taken on the information or on the examination * * * and must not permit them to be inspected by any person, except,” etc. (§ 205.)
“ A magistrate before whom an information is laid, may issue subpoenas, subscribed by him, for witnesses within the state, either on behalf of the People or of the defendant.” (§ 608.)
There is some confusion in the authorities as to what an information really is, for the term is frequently used to designate the deposition or affidavit upon which a criminal warrant is issued. The statute itself is not free from doubt upon the subject. An affidavit taken before a magistrate may be full enough to perform the function both of an information and a deposition. This is true when it sets forth facts sufficient to authorize a warrant without further evidence, but when more proof is required and it is necessary to subpoena witnesses and take their depositions, an information is essential. Its office is that of a complaint, as the Revised Statutes called it. Depositions are the authority for the warrant, as the magistrate must be satisfied “ therefrom,” which refers to the depositions only. Something less is required in an information than in a deposition, as otherwise there would 'be no occasion for the latter. The deposition must set forth facts tend
From all the analogies of the law, both civil and criminal, the information is intended to be made upon oath. While the statute does not expressly require it, we think it is necessarily implied, for otherwise an unfounded accusation could he set on foot and an investigation instituted upon unsupported assertion without any proof whatever. Business secrets could he exposed and private papers invaded through the worst of motives. Malice, civil actions, business rivalry, speculation or curiosity might he the sole foundation for a useless and oppressive proceeding. ¡Neither the great lawyers who drafted the Code of Criminal Procedure, nor the legislature which enacted it into law, intended that a criminal investigation should be made by a magistrate without evidence given under the -sanction of an oath and subject to the penalty for perjury if willfully false. The rule as to grand juries has always been different in this coxmtry for they are clothed by the common law with inquisitorial powers and, of their own motion, may make full investigation to see whether a crime has been committed, and if so, who committed it. They may investigate on their own knowledge, or upon information of any kind derived from any source deemed reliable; may swrear witnesses generally and may originate charges against those believed to have violated the criminal laws. (Code Cr. Pro. § 259; Hale v. IIenkel, 201 U. S. 43 ; Wharton’s Criminal Pleading and Practice [8th ed.]., § 337; Thompson & Merriam on Juries, §§ 614, 617.
We have already pointed out the nature of the proof required in an information. Suspicion is not enough, and information and belief are not enough, unless facts are stated showing the source of the information and the grounds of belief. The information should fairly warrant the inference by the magistrate that in good faith- and on reasonable grounds the complainant believes that a definite crime has been committed by a designated person. There is then a proper foundation upon to which to issue subpoenas and take depositions; whereas without it the inquiry is prosecuted on the mere chance that some crime may be discovered. The statute does not permit simple hearsay to become the sole basis of such a proceeding. The highest care of the law is personal liberty, and construing the statute in'the light of that principle, we think that the respondent - was without jurisdiction to entertain the proceeding or to require the attendance of witnesses, because sufficient proof was not laid before him.
Even upon the assumption that the magistrate had acquired
We are of the opinion that the subpoena issued by the magistrate was void upon its face and that it called for obedience to its commands on the part of no one. We are also of the opinion, however, that while there is strong reason for believing that in this case criminal process has been used for improper purposes, still, that prohibition is not the proper remedy.
The writ of prohibition is- not favored by the courts. Necessity alone justifies it. Although authorized by statute, it is not issued as a matter of right, but only in the exercise of sound judicial discretion when there is no other remedy. While it issues out of a superior court and runs to an inferior court or judge, its object is not the correction of errors nor relief from action already taken. In no sense is it a substitute for an appeal, as its sole province is to prevent the inferior tribunal from usurping a jurisdiction which it does not possess, although it runs against the exercise of unauthorized power in a proceeding, of which the lower court has jurisdiction, as well as
We think the relator had a remedy which, even if indirect and inconvenient, deprived him of the right to a writ of prohibition. We do not hold that a motion before the magistrate to set aside the subpoena would be an adequate remedy, because we cannot find any right of appeal allowed to a witness from an order denying such an application. There was a remedy, however, thorough and complete, through the writ of habeas corpus.' The magistrate was not only acting without jurisdiction, but the subpoena was void on its face and the relator was not bound to obey it. It was of no' more effect than a blank piece of paper. He could lawfully decline to attend, or to be sworn, or to answer any question. Any attempt- to punish him would have been unlawful and he would have had an absolute
Concurrence
This remedy was open to the relator and his application for a writ of prohibition was properly denied, because that form of relief can be resorted to only when there is no other.
The order appealed from should be affirmed, without costs.
I concur in the opinion of the court except that I am of the opinion that it' is intended by section 145 of the Criminal Code to make a distinction in the certainty with which crime and the person committing the crime is described. The information must contain an allegation that a person has been guilty of a crime and an allegation that some designated crime has been committed. The omission in the said section of the Code of the word “ designated ” in referring to the person is intentional. Criminal-law officers frequently have indisputable evidence that a crime has been committed, but are wholly unable to designate a person as the one who committed the crime. Every, person having knowledge of facts tending to designate the person who has committed the crime may wholly refrain from stating their knowledge to others.
In many counties of the state grand juries meet at very infrequent intervals, and when evidence that a crime has been committed is clear, but the person committing the crime cannot be ascertained without taking the depositions of witnesses, the delay in waiting for a grand jury to meet may result in a
Dissent
I agree with the prevailing opinion that the respondent was without jurisdiction to entertain this proceeding, or to require the attendance of witnesses; also with the suggested form of the information, and that it should be made under oath; also that the language of the subpoena is suggestive of “ private ends and furtive aims.”
This proceeding sought to lay bare the business secrets of relator and eighteen other witnesses, extending over a period of about nine years, which was on its face a flagrant abuse of criminal process based upon a void information.
On this record the learned Appellate Division should have dismissed the proceeding as void and declared the subpoenas issued therein waste paper, or issued the writ of prohibition.
As we have before us a concededly void proceeding, the appeal should be dismissed. We have no jurisdiction to determine, as we are about to do in express terms, that the writ of prohibition was properly denied by the Appellate Division. If that question was before us I should dissent from the decision about to be made in that regard.
I also dissent from the decision, which assumes jurisdiction in the court below, to the effect that habeas corpus is an adequate remedy to protect the witnesses in this case. They ought not to be required to place themselves in contempt of court, thereby incurring the peril of fine and imprisonment.
The question of jurisdiction is always open, and may be raised at any stage of the proceedings.
I vote for the dismissal of this proceeding as void.
Vaw and Chase, JJ., read for affirmance; Culleh, Ch. J., Gbay and Webheb, JJ., concur with Vane, J.; Willabd Baetlett, J., dissents on the ground that habeas corpus is not an adequate remedy. In other respects he concurs with Vahe, J. Edwaed T. Babtlett, J., also dissents in memorandum.
Order affirmed.
Cases cited
- David Belasco Co. v. Klaw 48 Misc. Rep. 597 p. 397
- In re Travis 55 How. Pr. 347 p. 398
- People v. Mallon 39 How. Pr. 454 p. 398
- People v. Dumar 106 N. Y. 502 p. 398
- People ex rel. Fleming v. Mayer 41 Misc. Rep. 289 p. 398
- People ex rel. Burbank v. Wood 21 App. Div. 245 p. 398
- In re Peck 167 N. Y. 391 p. 398
- McKelvey v. Marsh 63 App. Div. 396 p. 398
- In re Leslie 19 Misc. Rep. 667 p. 399
- Roome v. Webb 3 How. Pr. 327 p. 399
- Rateau v. Bernard 12 How. Pr. 464 p. 399
- People v. Mayor of New York 32 Barb. 102 p. 399
- Hecker v. Mayor of New York 28 How. Pr. 211 p. 399
- Bostwick v. Elton 25 How. Pr. 362 p. 399
- People ex rel. Farley v. Crane 94 App. Div. 397 p. 399
- Vredenburgh v. Hendricks 17 Barb. 179 p. 399
- Pratt v. Bogardus 49 Barb. 89 p. 399
- Appo v. People 20 N. Y. 531 p. 399, p. 406
- People ex rel. Mayor v. Nichols 79 N. Y. 582 p. 399
- People ex rel. Morse v. Nussbaum 55 App. Div. 245 p. 399
- Sweet v. Hulbert 51 Barb. 312 p. 399
- Wilson v. Robinson 6 How. Pr. 110 p. 400
- In re Boswell 34 How. Pr. 347 p. 400
- Payne v. Barnes 5 Barb. 465 p. 400
- In re Davies 168 n. Y. 89 p. 400
- People ex rel. Hummel v. Trial Term 184 N. Y. 30 p. 400, p. 406
- People ex rel. Ballin v. Smith 184 N. Y. 96 p. 400
- Hale v. Henkel 201 U. S. 43 p. 403
- People ex rel. Adams v. Westbrook 89 N. Y. 152 at 155 p. 406
- Thomson v. Tracy 60 N. Y. 31 p. 406