NCJ Number
15329
Date Published
1974
Length
423 pages
Annotation
ANALYZES PROSECUTION, TRIAL AND VERDICT OF THIS CASE TO SEE IF PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE WERE UPHELD.
Abstract
IN SEPTEMBER 1970 THIRTEEN MEMBERS OF THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY IN NEW YORK WERE PROSECUTED FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SHOOTING AT THE POLICE AND TRYING TO BLOW UP POLICE STATIONS. THE EVIDENCE AGAINST SOME DEFENDANTS WAS STRONG, AND IT TOOK EIGHT MONTHS FOR THE CASE TO UNFOLD. AFTER ONLY A FEW HOURS' DELIBERATION, THE JURY VOTED TO ACQUIT THE DEFENDANTS OF ALL 156 CHARGES AGAINST THEM. PART ONE OF THIS BOOK BEGINS WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROSECUTOR'S PERCEPTION OF THE CASE RAISED AT THE OUTSET OF THE PROCEEDINGS, WITH THE INDICTMENT, AND THE PUBLICITY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING IT. THE AUTHOR THEN DISCUSSES THE TRIAL IN DETAIL. A RECONSTRUCTION OF THE JURY DELIBERATIONS FROM LENGTHY INTERVIEWS WITH THE JURY SOON AFTER THE TRIAL ENDED IS PRESENTED. AN ANALYSIS IS PRESENTED OF THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE JURORS FOR THEIR DECISION BOTH IN THE JURY ROOM AND AFTER THE TRIAL. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)