Dan K. Webb Center for Advocacy, Center for Public Interest Law, and the Law Library present
The Crime of the Century: Dramatization of Closing Arguments in the Leopold & Loeb Sentencing Hearing
Wednesday, February 11 12:00 Noon – 1:30 PM
Philip H. Corboy Law Center, 25 E. Pearson St.
Power Rogers & Smith Ceremonial Courtroom, 10th Floor
In 1924, the “Crime of the Century” took place in Chicago. Two University of Chicago graduates–Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, both from wealthy and prominent families–brutally murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks on South Ellis Street in Hyde Park. The two were apprehended and tried at the old Cook County Courts Building (which still stands at 54 West Hubbard). Their lawyer, Clarence Darrow, to everyone’s surprise, pleaded them guilty to murder and kidnapping. He then put on an extensive evidentiary presentation (lasting a month) and argued to Judge John R. Caverly for mercy and life in prison. State’s Attorney, Bob Crowe, argued for the gallows. After two weeks of deliberation, Judge Caverly chose to sentence the pair to life in prison.
In 2004, Todd Parkhurst, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym; Scott Petersen, Holland & Knight; and William Hannay, Schiff Hardin, wrote a one-act play titled Pleading for the Future dramatizing the closing arguments made at the sentencing hearing of Darrow and Crowe. They will present their play at Loyola on February 11.
A light lunch will be provided. This event is free and open the entire Loyola community and the public.