The stories and the people involved in the history of murder are stranger, darker and more compulsive than any crime fiction. There’s Richard Parker, the cannibalized cabin boy whose death at the hands of his hungry crewmates led the Victorian courts to decisively outlaw a defence of necessity to murder. Dr Percy Bateman, the incompetent GP whose violent disregard for his patient changed the law on manslaughter. Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in England in the 1950s, played a crucial role in changes to the law around provocation in murder cases. And many many more!!
This was such an interesting book and I couldn't put it down. Although the book covered a lot of complex cases and laws, it was easy to follow and understand. I really enjoyed reading this, for the true crime stories and learning about how these cases shaped the legal system we have today - would definitely recommend this book.
This was such an interesting book and I couldn't put it down. Although the book covered a lot of complex cases and laws, it was easy to follow and understand. I really enjoyed reading this, for the true crime stories and learning about how these cases shaped the legal system we have today - would definitely recommend this book.