Great Trials in American History
This course examines influential and controversial trials and decisions that have affected American history. We begin in the colonial period with the trials of Anne Hutchinson and the Salem Witches. We continue into the 19th century, discussing trials such as Lincoln’s Assassination, Andrew Johnson’s Impeachment, and Susan B. Anthony. In the 20 th Century, we analyze the cases of Sacco and Vanzetti, the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, the Scopes “Monkey Trial,” the Scottsboro Boys, the Rosenbergs, OJ Simpson and the Clinton Impeachment. The 21 st Century trials involving Black Lives Matter, the January 6 th Insurrection and the Trump immunity, disqualification and financial corruption trials bring us full circle as we study American economic, political, religious and social history through the prism of trials.
You'll Walk Away with
- An overview of the most controversial and important court cases from colonial times to today
- An understanding of the cases’ impact on society
Ideal for
- All members of the community—working, retired, and in-between
- The curious and creative
NO open sections available for this course at the moment. Please check back next semester.