The American Mercury on the Leo Frank Trial: Week Four’s Defense Witnesses and Trial Conclusion

This video from The American Mercury’s centennial coverage focuses on the latter part of the fourth week (August 18–24, 1913) of the Leo Frank trial, after Frank’s testimony, as the defense presented its final witnesses in the case of 13-year-old Mary Phagan’s murder. Based on the Leo Frank Trial Brief of Evidence, it explores the defense’s strategy to bolster Frank’s reputation through character witnesses, including factory employees, while challenging Jim Conley’s account of Frank’s involvement. The episode also details the prosecution’s closing arguments, led by Hugh Dorsey, which emphasized physical evidence like Phagan’s blood and hair in the factory, leading to Frank’s conviction on August 25, 1913.