Murder at Myall Creek: The trial that defined a nation

(Paperback)

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Description

In 1838, eleven convicts and former convicts were put on trial for the brutal murder of 28 Aboriginal men, women and children at Myall Creek in New South Wales. The trial created an enormous amount of controversy because it was almost unknown for Europeans to be charged with the murder of Aborigines. It would become the most serious trial of mass murder in Australia's history.The trial's prosecutor was the Attorney General of New South Wales, John Hubert Plunkett. It proved to be Plunkett's greatest test, as it pitted his forensic brilliance and his belief in equality before the law against the combined forces of the free settlers, the squatters, the military, the emancipists, the newspapers, and even the convict population.From the bestselling author of Kidnapped and Eugenia, Murder at Myall Creek follows the journey of the man who who arguably achieved more for modern-day civil rights in Australia than anyone else before or since.

Reviews

The Myall Creek massacre is a stain on our nations soul, with the only positive note being that the law brought the evil perpetrators to justice in a key trial that was a foundation stone for the integrity of our legal system. This wonderful book brings that trial, and the marvellous prosecutor, John Hubert Plunkett, back to life. -- Peter FitzSimons
A much needed and appreciated historical insight into the profession of a man who gained respect through the colonial era of Australia and his fight for justice through the law for my people, the Kamilaroi. -- Aunty Noeline Briggs-Smith OAM, Aboriginal researcher

Author Bio

Mark Tedeschi AM KC was for many years the Senior Crown Prosecutor for New South Wales. He has practised in the criminal courts for over 40 years, both for the prosecution and the defence. He has been a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Art School, a member of the Council of the State Library of NSW, a Trustee of Sydney Grammar School, and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Wollongong. He is also an accomplished photographer, whose works are held in many public galleries and private collections. Mark lives and works in Sydney. For more information, see his website: www.marktedeschi.com