SANYA KHERA

E022

THE TRIAL OF LEO FRANK

The trial of Leo Frank was a sensational and controversial event that took place in Atlanta,
Georgia, in 1913. Jewish factory manager Leo Frank faced a sensational murder trial for a
young employee. Despite weak evidence and claims of anti-Semitism, Frank was convicted
based on unreliable testimony. His death sentence drew national attention and ignited
debates about prejudice and justice. Though later pardoned, Frank was tragically lynched,
leaving a dark stain on American history and a legacy demanding critical reflection on bias
and the pursuit of truth.

Background:

 In 1913, Leo Frank, a Jewish businessman and superintendent of the National

Pencil Factory in Atlanta, was accused of the brutal murder of a 13-year-old
employee, Mary Phagan.
 The case quickly became a local and then national sensation, fueled by
sensational journalism and a pervasive climate of anti-Semitism in the South.

Key Issues:

 The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Jim Conley, a black janitor
at the factory with a criminal record, who claimed to have witnessed Frank
attack Phagan. However, Conley's testimony was contradictory and widely
viewed as suspect.
 Frank's defense argued that he was being framed due to his religion and lack
of Southern roots, pointing to lack of physical evidence and alternative
suspects.

Some Lessons learned from the trial are:

1. Dangers of prejudice and bias
2. Importance of due process and fair trial
3. Vulnerability of minority groups
4. The power of sensationalism and the media
5. Importance of critical thinking and historical reflection
6. Legacy of injustice and quest for truth