ALL1504-C First 6 Weeks Tuesday 9:00-10:20 Start Date 15-Sep
Grossman 115 Limit 25
We will review three murders, their trials and outcomes: Lizzie Borden, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, and Christopher McCowen. We will consider what a fair trial is and how the concept has evolved. Societal norms and prejudices that may have impacted the outcomes will be debated. We will review rules of evidence and constitutional protections and how they limit the facts presented at trial. We will also consider the New Bedford Highway Killer Case. Nine women were killed; two disappeared. The crimes remain unsolved. In 1926, Judge Benjamin Cardoza said, “The criminal shall go free because the constable has blundered.” What does that mean today?
Coordinator: Stephen Anderson
Steve is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. He is a retired trial lawyer who has traveled the state. His interest in local history was enhanced by plaques and memorials he read at courthouses while waiting for judges or juries, mostly judges. He has been a member of ALL for three years. So far so good!