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Case library · Trial of the Century

The Rooftop Theatre Shooting

People v. Thaw (1908)

Charge: First-degree murderCourt: New York Supreme Court, New York County (trial)State: New YorkDocket: Trial of the Century

The facts

At a rooftop theatre, a man came upon another man and shot him dead in front of a crowd. There is no dispute that he fired the shots. He believed the victim ran places where he ruined respectable young women by force or drugs. He also believed he had a special mission from Providence to stop him, and thought he was doing a good deed. He was charged with first-degree murder. His defence is insanity.

You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.

Citation: People ex rel. Thaw v. Lamb (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 1909)

Read more at courtlistener.com. The source reveals the outcome.

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