Final answer:
Jean Gianini, a 16-year-old, was accused of murdering Lydia Beecher but was found not guilty due to a defense of legal insanity, supported by the testimony of Dr. Henry Herbert Goddard. Other mentions of murder cases reflect personal motives and societal reactions to crime, including vigilante justice and the pursuit of governmental protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of Jean Gianini, accused of the murder of his former teacher Lydia Beecher, crucial evidence included a lost button at the crime scene, which tied him to the deed. Gianini confessed upon arrest and at the trial, the defense argued he was legally insane at the time of the crime. A noted psychologist, Dr. Henry Herbert Goddard, was called as an expert witness to testify in his defense.
The defense argued that Gianini had the intelligence of a child and lacked understanding of the nature and quality of his act. This argument led to a verdict, on May 28, 1914, by the Supreme Court of Herkimer County, New York, where Gianini was found not guilty, much to the surprise of many who expected a conviction for a premeditated and cold-blooded murder.
In a different context, the murder of a local newspaper editor, Charles Wallace, by Dr. George Darden illustrates an example of a personal murder where the perpetrator turned himself in but was ultimately killed by a vigilante group. And in another historically significant crime, the murder of Emmett Till by Roy Bryant and J. W. Milam showcases the aspect of double jeopardy, as they were interviewed about the murder after being found not guilty.
Furthermore, the mention of Sallie Adkins seeking justice after the assassination of her husband, Senator Joseph Adkins, highlights the efforts of individuals in seeking protection and justice from the government. These cases, among others, reflect various aspects of the justice system and societal reactions to crime.