The Supreme Court Historical Society is proud to share an engaging new podcast episode produced by Civics 101 through NPR New Hampshire. This episode dives into a rare and powerful chapter in Supreme Court history: its first and only criminal trial.
On a pivotal day in 1906, the Supreme Court intervened to stay a man’s execution. Tragically, that very same day, his town took justice into their own hands and ended his life. What followed was unprecedented: the Supreme Court’s historic criminal trial to hold those accountable for this shocking act of vigilante justice.
This episode is not just about past events, however, it’s also about the present. In June 2024, a group of students uncovered this extraordinary story and explored its implications through The Supreme Court and My Hometown program. Their journey reveals how the justice system’s history remains deeply relevant today, offering lessons about accountability, civic engagement, and the ways in which government actions affect everyday lives.
This episode is more than a history lesson. It’s a vivid narrative about justice, accountability, and the enduring impact of civic engagement.