"Crimes of Passion" Trials Exhibit

Sometimes a law-related adventure shows up where you least expect it. This week a new exhibit opened in the lobby of the New York City Bar in midtown Manhattan. "Crimes of Passion" features a collection of original murder trial transcripts in the sensationalized popular pamphlet style of the 19th century. Serving as the “Court TV” of their day, these illustrated contemporary accounts represent a “valuable storehouse of legal, economic, social and local history” depicting how scandalous crimes were mass-marketed to a pre-television audience. No time for a visit? Explore some of these fascinating “Crimes of Passion” trials and documents online at the Association of the Bar of the City of New York web site. Other exhibits from the City Bar Library--“Women in the Law” and “Slavery in the Courts”--are also featured.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat