The 1849 murder of Dr. George Parkman in Boston stands as one of the most - if not the most - sensational trials of the 19th century.  This case has it all: a grisly murder, a dismembered corpse, a wealthy victim, a respected suspect, a questionable lead witness for the prosecution and unusual court proceedings.  Nearly 60,000 spectators were ushered through the Boston courtroom in 10-minute intervals.  An all-out media blitz ensued, with journalists traveling from Europe to Boston to cover the trial.  Ultimately, the case spawned books, documentaries and even an iPhone app.

The forensics of the case - one of the first trials to allow scientific evidence as testimony, and the first to allow dental evidence - are explored along with a brief history of the "Spunkers" Club," a secret group of body-snatchers at the Harvard Medical School. We examine the lawyers, judges, the problems with the case and it's oddities.  Among the many fascinating elements to this story are: first, the number of Harvard men involved in the case; and second, the rapidly changing social climate during which the trial takes place.

The trial is also legally historic.  This case established the legal standard of "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" - a requirement that has since been adopted by just about every state in the nation.  And it all started in Boston - with this case.

Enduring themes of this trial: reasonable doubt; forensic and dental evidence; the importance of circumstantial evidence; the false suspicion that an Irish immigrant had committed the murder; scapegoating; and how the law evolves through the trial.

The Honorable Justice Dennis J. Curran was a Massachusetts trial judge for more than 15 years, and presided over 450 civil and criminal trials.  Justice Curran graduated from Boston Latin School, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from the University of Virginia.  His lifelong passion has been history.  He has served as  Professor of the Practice at Tufts University, teaches at Brown University's summer program, and lectures widely before historical groups, public libraries, senior groups, trial attorneys and fellow judges.

This will be an in person presentation in our Keys Community Room, and questions from the audience are encouraged.  Please register in advance to attend here and you will receive one reminder before the date.   Questions?  Call the Reference Dept. at (617) 898-4964 or Email jhlady@milton.ocln.org   We hope you will join us for a fascinating talk!

This program is kindly sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Public Library and is free and open to all.