Mrs. Rudd on Trial
Mrs. Rudd on Trial
This chapter discusses Mrs. Rudd's trial which opened on December 8, 1775, and attracted a large crowd. It notes that the trial lasted from nine in the morning until almost eight in the evening and the prosecution, conducted by William Lucas, Henry Howarth, and Murphy, presented a less than persuasive case; the defense shared between Serjeant Davy, Thomas Davenport, and Cowper, was alternately hectoring and humorous. It observes that the trial fell into three distinct acts, almost like a stage play: first the presiding judge, Aston, addressed Mrs. Rudd, telling her why she was on trial and informing her of the opinion of the twelve judges; second, the prosecution presented its witnesses and laid out its case; and, finally, Mrs. Rudd's anticipated defense which proved an anticlimax.
Keywords: Mrs. Rudd's trial, prosecution, William Lucas, Henry Howarth, Murphy, defense, Serjeant Davy, Thomas Davenport, Cowper, Aston
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