New Bedford to Recreate Lizzie Borden Trial
I had heard this was in the works a few months ago. It now seems certain. Kewl!
By Will Richmond
Herald News Staff ReporterFall River —
Despite immense pressures and at times suffering through controversies, the commonwealth’s Superior Court system has aged rather gracefully.
With thousands of cases heard and too many verdicts handed out to even count, Bristol County law officials announced plans to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Massachusetts Superior Court with a series of events planned for 2009.
With cases that have captured the attention of people beyond even the commonwealth’s borders, the county’s role in the state’s Superior Court system offers a full array of cases that will be brought back to the bench.
Events for the commemoration, which will continue throughout the year, include a mock trial that will re-examine the legendary case of Lizzie Borden, with the audience this time determining the outcome.
The Borden case, backed by its popular interest will be held at all three Bristol County Superior Court houses, with the first scheduled to take place Sept. 24 in New Bedford.
Other events include a series of symposiums based on past cases, including the last public hanging in Bristol County, cases related to the 1874 Fall River Great Mill Fire, the Big Dan trial and the Watuppa Water Rights cases from 1889.
The events, organizers said, will also pave the way for educational opportunities for students and the general public not traditionally available.
