Image of gallows. Image of electric chair

Dr. Paige H. Gordier, Lloyd Sealy Library Fellow for spring 2009, will present her lecture Capital Murder Trials in the Late 1800s: A Reflection of Public Opinion on the Death Penalty. This presentation will focus on the capital murder trials which took place in the county of New York in the late 1800s. Trial transcripts and newspapers of the times were used to determine what crime, offender and victim related characteristics would most often result in a death sentence. Dr. Gordier's study also focuses on the influence of public opinion on the criminal trial process. Public opinion on capital punishment, immigration and the role of women are reflected in the trial process and in particular, in the jury selection process.

Please join us for this exciting event! Monday, March 30, 2009, Room 630T, at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow the lecture.