**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**  

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—will be explored along with a brief history of the “Spunkers” Club, a secret group of body snatchers at the Harvard Medical School. Get to know the lawyers, judges, and the problems with the case, as well as its oddities. 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.

Led by the Honorable Dennis J. Curran, retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice. A judge for 15 years, Curran presided over 450 civil and criminal trials. The author of 42 book chapters and articles, he has taught at Tufts University, Roger Williams University of School of Law, and Brown University. 

Register directly on Zoom HERE.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 24 hours of the program.