Murder on Trial 1620-2002

This fascinating collection examines murder jurisprudence-"the social rules that govern the arrest, trial, and punishment of people accused of murder-"in the United States from the colonial period to the present. The contributors show how changing social mores have influenced the application of murder law by highlighting the ways cultural biases like racism, changing ideas about childhood and insanity, and the ameliorative effects of middle class status and paternal imagery both helped and handicapped persons accused of murder. Such famous cases as the Lizzie Borden axe murder and African American activist Abu-Jamal's murder trial are included.Asher, Robert is the author of 'Murder on Trial 1620-2002', published 2005 under ISBN 9780791463772 and ISBN 079146377X.