Famous Trials V

Facilitator: Bill Nalitz, billnalitz@gmail.com, 970-893-2801 Dates:   Mondays, April 1— May 27, 2024
Time:   9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Text: None Presentations: Not Required Location: Foxtail 2, Senior Center Class limit: 24

Many trials have been called "Trials of the Century.” To call a trial a Trial of the Century, said F. Lee Bailey, "is a kind of a hype . . . .It's a way of saying 'This is really fabulous. It's really sensational. '" We have managed to find eight more cases that were "really fabulous" and "really sensational.” These cases span the time from the 19th century (Regina v. Oscar Wilde) to the 21st century (State v. Michael Peterson; the Staircase Murder). Each of these cases excited intense nationwide interest and several were memorialized in film. Our classroom discussions will consider the factors that made these cases fabulous and sensational. We will attempt to supplement these discussions with some of the film versions of these trials.

Presentations: One per class, by volunteers; not more than 20 minutes, to discuss some aspect or background of the defendants, victims or lawyers involved.