The Legal Legacy of Jack the Ripper

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter discusses the legal legacy of the Ripper murders. Without an accused and a trial, this is not an easy task. We identify two limited areas where we can identify a legal aftermath: bankruptcy and false accusations. We then offer a novel approach to the legal legacy in a counter- factual discussion and analysis of what might have happened had Jack been apprehended. By considering the possible impact of a Whitechapel trial on the law, and the role of the press within the trial, this we use a counter-factual approach to examine what the legal legacy of a trial could have been. Ultimately, we conclude that even had Jack been caught, tried, and found guilty the events would not have left a lasting legal legacy
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge Handbook of Jack the Ripper Studies
EditorsAnne-Marie Kilday, David Nash, Katherine D. Watson
Place of PublicationAbingdon
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter30
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003266082
ISBN (Print)9781032203348
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 1 Sept 2025

Publication series

NameRoutledge International Handbooks
PublisherRoutledge

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