Book Review: John Brown's Trial

Book Review: The Charge Was Treason — The Trial of John Brown
reviewed by George Conk

John Brown’s Trial by Brian McGinty.  Harvard University Press, 2009.  384 pp. $27.85

That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand the cause and nature of his accusation, to be confronted with the accusers and witnesses, to call for evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of twelve men of his vicinage, without whose unanimous consent he cannot be found guilty; nor can he be compelled to give evidence against himself; that no man be deprived of his liberty, except by the law of the land or the judgment of his peers.

§ 8 The Bill of Rights, Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, June 12, 1776

Now when many believe it is weakness to treat as criminals those who attacked us on September 11, 2001 Brian McGinty’s John Brown’s Trial is a timely arrival.  His compelling narrative shows Virginia thought it had something to prove by both the swiftness and the propriety of the trial and prosecution that began eight days after the anti-slavery warrior’s capture and ended forty seven days later with Brown’s death by public hanging on December 2, 1859.  Yet Virginia afforded a trial by jury, and Brown was represented by appointed lawyers, slaveholders who diligently advocated for the leader of a cause they deplored......

for the review published at Concurring Opinions click on the LARGE TYPE italicized title above.

Thanks to Concurring Opinions and editor Dan Solove.

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