Description
Book SynopsisThe case of the Trenton Six attracted international attention in its time (1946–1952) Yet, there is no memory of it. The shame of racism evident in the case has been nearly erased from the public record. Now, historian Cathy D. Knepper takes us back to the courtroom to make us aware of this shocking chapter in American history.
Trade Review"The story of the Trenton Six parallels the ordeal of the Alabama defendants known as the 'Scottsboro Boys.' Unlike the Scottsboro case, however, the Trenton case has largely faded from public view. Knepper has performed an important service by bringing the story of the six Trenton defendants back to light. She convincingly demonstrates that in all likelihood innocent men came close to losing their lives for a crime committed by others." -- Richard A. Rosen * Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina School of Law *
"In 1949 six African-American men in Trenton, New Jersey were sentenced to death by electrocution on the basis of coerced confessions and manipulated eyewitness testimony. Historian Cathy Knepper lays out the intriguing story of their struggle for exoneration. Starting virtually alone, Bessie Mitchell, sister of one of the six, garnered popular support in what became a world-wide campaign to free the men, involving the likes of Paul Robeson and Thurgood Marshall. The author clearly shows that in the United States innocent people can, and do, get sentenced to death, a problem of great concern to the present day."
-- Sister Helen Prejean
"
Jersey Justice is an important book that brings to light a forgotten case of racial injustice while reinforcing the ubiquity of such events in American history and ultimately offering an effective critique of the death penalty. [A] riveting work."
* Historian *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
1. The Crime and the Trenton Six
2. The Trial, Prosecution
3. The Trial, Defense
4. Bessie Mitchell Finds Help
5. Second Trial, Prosecution
6. Second Trial, Defense
7. Two Men Left
List of Principals
Notes
Index
