Once again, Lizzie Borden has been found innocent in the murders of her father and step-mother in 1892. The crowd who attended last night’s mock trial, presented in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, voted almost 2-1 to acquit her of all charges.
This trial was different than the one in New Bedford, held last week in the very courtroom where Ms. Borden was tried. The lawyers for this trial were from Fall River and Somerset. The actors and the judges were the same, but the questions posed to each witness were different. This is an unscripted event, with the actors playing Emma Borden, Bridget Sullivan, Dr. Dolan, and Lizzie Borden being forced to be on their toes to answer whatever the lawyers will throw at them. I have to say they are tremendously gifted in remembering facts and details of this case. They are quite believable as the characters they play.
The lawyers for both sides have taken this mock trial very seriously. They are prepared and ready to do battle. It is sometimes dramatic and exchanges can get testy. They have been admonished by the judges at times for making statements without asking questions, or asking a question that is soon objected to by the opposing counsel.
Everyone here really knows their stuff.
I must say, after seeing two of these mock events, the evidence is just not there to convict Lizzie. I can’t imagine what went though prosecutor Knowlton’s mind way back in 1893. He must have felt that he was going to lose before it even started.
If you missed last night’s event, you can read more about it in today’s Herald News.
One last version of this mock trial will be held November 19 in Taunton. Tickets are needed for admittance.
To obtain tickets, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to “Lizzie, Redux Request†in care of Clerk Magistrate Marc J. Santos, Bristol County Clerk of Courts, 9 Court St., Taunton, MA, 02780.
