|  Forensic wizardry, oratorical pyrotechnics, high drama, the clash of metaphysical ideals, dueling zealots, tireless advocates of sometimes hopeless causes, high-stakes theatrics — trials in New York have been witness to them all. Amid the churning cauldron of fierce but civilized courtroom battles, the common law of the State of New York has been and continues to be forged. The Historical Society provides insight into some of the more memorable trials that have embellished the State's proud legal tradition.
| | Featured Cases | The Crown v Zenger Background and trial materials on the libel trial of John Peter Zenger. A landmark victory for the freedom of the press and the rule of law. Also included is a play that reenacts the trial proceedings. | | People v Gillette The Record, Points of Counsel and other archival material from this sensational capital murder case. The Gillette story endures through a best-selling book based on the case, An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser, two motion pictures, An American Tragedy [1931] and A Place in the Sun [1951]. More recently, the Metropolitan Opera commissioned Tobias Picker's work, An American Tragedy which premiered in the Lincoln Center in 2005. Also included are court papers relating to Theodore Dreiser's dispute with Paramount over the 1931 von Sternberg movie, An American Tragedy and Minerva Brown's 1934 libel case against Paramount. |
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The Lemmon Slave Case
'the holding of slaves in this state, for any purpose is as injurious to our condition and to the public peace, as it is opposed to the sentiment of the peopl of this state" 26 Barb 270 (Dec 1857).
Background and materials related to the Lemmon case, decided in the New York courts at the time of the Dred Scott decision. It abolished slavery in New York State, finally and forever.
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The Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York
140 Grand Street, Suite 701
White Plains, N.Y. 10601
phone: (914) 824-5717
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