Case library · Trial of the Century
The Bomb at the Rally
Spies v. Illinois (1887)
Charge: Murder of a police officer killed by a bombCourt: Supreme Court of the United StatesState: IllinoisDocket: Trial of the Century
The facts
Someone threw a bomb at police during a public meeting, and an officer was killed. Eight men were tried together for his murder. Seven were sentenced to death and one to 15 years. At jury selection, the judge seated jurors who admitted they had already formed opinions from rumor and newspapers, though they said they could still be fair. The men say that denied them an impartial jury. One also complains he was forced to answer questions about a letter.
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: Spies v. Illinois, 123 U.S. 131 (1887)
Read more at courtlistener.com. The source reveals the outcome.