Law and Society in the Courtroom: Introducing the Trials of the Century

Abstract:     
This essay appeared as part of a larger series on “Essays on the Trials of the Century.” In this essay, Professor Larson analyzes three factors that stand out in reviewing contenders for the title of “The Trial of the Twentieth Century.” First, many of them involve celebrity defendants who commanded public attention even before the trial began. Second, most also bring together noted litigators who give larger meaning to the case by their words. Finally, a few also cast profoundly important issues in the crisp, adversarial format of a trial. Professor Larson concludes that the two contenders that stand out for their lasting social impact are the Nuremburg trials and the Scopes trial.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 6

Keywords: notable trials, celebrity defendants, Nuremburg trials, Scopes trial

JEL Classification: K49

Accepted Paper Series