Mutiny on the Ulysses: Part 3-Trial of the Ulysses Mutineers
Mutiny on the Ulysses Historical Trial Series by Eric Fryar Part 3: Trial of the Ulysses Mutineers In 1800, federal authorities tried five sailors for mutiny in one of the most famous trials of its day. In a virtual replay of the Mutiny on the Bounty, the sailors claimed that they had acted in self-defense against the abuse and murderous threats by the captain. On both sides of this high-profile case were the best lawyers in the county. Would the sailors hang? This is an excerpt from a forthcoming book by Eric Fryar. Opening Statement for the Prosecution The government then proceeded with its opening statement. The official case report says nothing of the opening statements for either side, but these would also have been short and simple. Attorneys were not permitted to argue their case in opening or to go into great detail about the facts. The purpose of the opening was to give the jury a short roadmap of what was expected to be proven and what evidence would be presented. It was