Trial of Aratus F. Pierce, At Lockport, N.Y., For the Murder of..

1871. Lockport, NY: M.C. Richardson and Co., 1871. Lockport, NY: M.C. Richardson and Co., 1871. A Successful "Mania Transitoria" Defense: McDade 748 [Trial]. Pierce, Aratus F., Defendant. Trial of Aratus F. Pierce, At Lockport, N.Y., For the Murder of William Bullock, Eighth Judicial District, Court of Oyer and Terminer, Charles Daniels, Presiding; Lorenzo Webster and G.L. Judd, Associate Justices, Tried at Adjourned October Term, 1871. Lockport, NY: M.C. Richardson and Co., 1871. 101 pp. Octavo (8-3/4" x 5-3/4"; 22.2 x 14.6 cm). Stab-stitched pamphlet in printed wrappers. Minor wear to spine ends, a few small chips to edges, light soiling to rear wrapper, light toning to interior. A well-preserved copy of a scarce title. $750. * Only edition. Pierce killed a man who seduced his sister, then refused to marry her. The trial is notable because it involved a successful defense based on the law of "mania transitoria," or momentary insanity (McDade). OCLC locates 13 copies, 4 in law libraries (Harvard, Social Law, Supreme Court of New York, U.S. Supreme Court). McDade, The Annals of Murder 748.