Judgment at Gallatin: The Trial of Frank James (Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit) - Hardcover

Petrone, Gerard S.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0896723984 ISBN 13: 9780896723986

Publisher: Texas Tech University Press, 1998

Synopsis

Those who will recall the Simpson trial as the legal extravaganza of its century might be surprised by striking parallels between it and the late-nineteenth century trial of the infamous Frank James. In 1882 James surrendered to authorities voluntarily and was tried for murder the following year in Gallatin, Missouri. Petrone's analysis of primary and secondary sources tells the story of a charismatic prominent figure, who assembles his century's legal dream team and in the face of overwhelming incriminating evidence, wins acquittal from a sympathetic jury. "The trial of Frank James has never before been explored in detail, although his acquittal has long screamed for explanation."―Bill O'Neal "Scholars as well as 'buffs' have always neglected the trial of Frank James. Thus Judgment at Gallatin fills in a major gap in our knowledge of the James brothers."―Richard Maxwell Brown

About this title

Review

The State of Missouri vs. Frank James may not have been the trial of the 19th century, but it certainly ranks up there. After the killing of Jesse James in April 1882, the outlaw's older brother turned himself in to Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden. Self styled "amateur historian" Jerry Petrone re-creates the trial, from its carnival atmosphere outside the makeshift courtroom to the eccentric characters inside in this well-researched, easy-to-read and enlightening look at the historical trial. Judgment at Gallatin is thorough history and an all-around excellent read whether you believe justice was served or miscarried -- Wild West, October 1999

Edition details

• Publisher: Texas Tech University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0896723984
• ISBN 13: 9780896723986
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 222