The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case: A Critical Analysis of the Trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann

The First Book to Examine the Trial Itself

The kidnapping and murder of Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. touched off one of the most massive manhunts in the history of American crime detection and generated so much publicity at home and abroad that it was touted as the "Crime of the Century." The arrest of Bruno Richard Hauptmann in connection with the kidnapping inevitably led to the "Trial of the Century." Although Hauptmann was almost universally detested at the time of the trial, the tide of public opinion began to change with his conviction. In the decades following Hauptmann's execution, writers have advanced one theory after another seeking to pin the blame upon various members of the Lindbergh household and others. Almost every aspect of the crime and the investigation has been examined and critiqued--with one exception. No one has written a critical analysis of the trial itself. This book seeks to remedy that omission with an investigation and evaluation of the marshalling, presentation, and arguing of the evidence, and a study of the post-conviction litigation.

This innovative book includes:

• a thorough analysis of the evidence presented at trial by both the prosecution and defense
• a comprehensive critique of the performance of the lawyers
• a discussion of inculpatory scientific evidence available to, but not used by, the prosecution
• a section listing the major protagonists in the investigation and trial
• a timeline
• a modular analysis of the prosecution case
• a table of cases

James M. Dedman III, a native of Columbia, TN, is a graduate of Warren Wilson College, Middle Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University School of Law. After extensive experience in defending and prosecuting criminal cases, he taught theory-based trial advocacy for the National College of District Attorneys for twenty-eight years at the University of Houston Law Center and the University of South Carolina National Advocacy Center. He has won several national awards, and in 2011 the National District Attorneys Association created a national award in his name.