Segment from Court of Public Opinion

The Burning Bed

Brian talks to historian Patricia Cline Cohen, from the University of California, Santa Barbara, about the trial of Richard Robinson. Robinson was accused of the 1836 murder of Helen Jewett, a prostitute whose bed was set aflame after she was killed in it.

Trial By Jury

The Backstory hosts talk to jury consultant Joe Rice, whose work included the O. J. Simpson civil case, about the science behind finding an unbiased jury.

00:03:33

Web Extra - Dan Cohen

In this bonus segment, Dan Cohen talks about how 19th century lawyer politicians picked up on the legacy of puritan ministers in the courtroom.

00:04:57

Making A New Case/Let’s Go See A Hanging

Making A New Case

Shows like “Serial,” “The Jinx” and “Making A Murderer” are providing trial-watchers with the rest of the story. Why are they so popular?

Let’s Go See A Hanging

Before trials could be closely observed, executions were the thing to see in early America. Learn more from Peter and historian Dan Cohen, author of “Pillars of Salt, Monuments of Grace.”