Newspaper clipping regarding the trial of Francis C. Sexton for the rape of Miss C. Wood. Transcription: A PAINFUL CASE. ?In the case of Francis C. Sexton, on trial at Newark for the alleged rape upon the person of a Miss [C.] Wood of New-York, A. V. Schenck; esq., on Monday, summed up for the defence. He alluded to the importance of the case to his client as involving his liberty, honor, and the peace of more than one loving heart. He then paid a tribute to the just administration of law in New-Jersey, but said, while we should do justice, we should also guard against parties from other Stat
Newspaper clipping regarding the trial of Francis C. Sexton for the rape of Miss C. Wood. Transcription: A PAINFUL CASE. ?In the case of Francis C. Sexton, on trial at Newark for the alleged rape upon the person of a Miss [C.] Wood of New-York, A. V. Schenck; esq., on Monday, summed up for the defence. He alluded to the importance of the case to his client as involving his liberty, honor, and the peace of more than one loving heart. He then paid a tribute to the just administration of law in New-Jersey, but said, while we should do justice, we should also guard against parties from other States using it to gratify their petty spites. He then alluded to the appearance of the complainant, and that she was calculated to excite sympathy, but only by the evidence. The State must prove physical force, and want of consent. He then reviewed the testimony to show wherein the State has failed, alleging that there was no proof of want of consent, nor of physical force, except by her statement alone. The surrounding circumstances do not indicate this, but rather the contrary; and the alleged violence was committed in a public place, where outcry could be heard. He then reviewed the testimony, showing wherein she was contradicted by other witnesses, and contending that her actions were such as to indicate that it was at most only an aggravated case of seduction. The counsel pleaded that the prisoner was entitled to every legal doubt, and argued that the complainant was previously a theater-going character, and was not such an innocent girl as the State assumed. He closed his speech with an earnest appeal to the Jury to abide solely by the evidence, and not to be influenced by any sympathy, and give the defendant the benefit of any doubt. Courtlandt Parker, esq., the proceeded to sum up on the part of the State. He proceeded to show the importance of the case, not only to the prisoner, but also to the public, stating that if the Jury found by the evidence that the offense had be
Size: 1305px × 3831px
Photo credit: © The Picture Art Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords:
