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Domestic News
April 2, 1850
Hillsdale Whig Standard
Hillsdale, Hillsdale County, Michigan
What is this article about?
Detailed account of Dr. Webster's calm, dignified demeanor and behavior upon entering the courtroom and during the initial proceedings of his trial, including pleading not guilty.
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Dr. Webster's Appearance on Trial.
On the first morning of the trial a little before 9 o'clock, and some time before the Judges took their places upon the bench the prisoner entered and immediately took his seat in the dock. His steps were light and elastic. In taking his place his countenance betrayed a degree of calmness and dignity which created some remark by persons at that time in Court.
On taking his seat. Dr. Webster smiled as he saluted several of his friends and acquaintances, to some of them he familiarly nodded. and a stranger would have taken him for an ordinary spectator! He wore his spectacles and sat with ease and dignified composure in the dock. occasionally shaking hands with some of his friends. The countenance of the prisoner indicated to the physiognomist, strong animal passion and irresistible temperament. His cheek bones are high. and the mouth with compressed lips, betrayed great resolution and firmness of character. The forehead is inclined to the angular--rather low particularly retreating below the middle height, and by no means a man of strong muscular strength. His general appearance makes no favorable impression.
About 9 o'clock the Judge entered the Court room, every available place of accommodation was jammed to excess.
On the prisoner being called to plead. he stood up firmly in the dock and pleaded not guilty, in a strong and firm tone of voice and while several of the jurors were being examined by the court as to whether or not they had formed or expressed an opinion, he manifested much anxiety as to the answer given.
When the Jury were sworn and the Clerk of the Court proceeded to read the indictments, the prisoner stood up in the dock and listened to the reading with marked attention He betrayed the same degree of firmness and resolution which he exhibited on his first entrance into Court and every eye was turned towards him.
On the first morning of the trial a little before 9 o'clock, and some time before the Judges took their places upon the bench the prisoner entered and immediately took his seat in the dock. His steps were light and elastic. In taking his place his countenance betrayed a degree of calmness and dignity which created some remark by persons at that time in Court.
On taking his seat. Dr. Webster smiled as he saluted several of his friends and acquaintances, to some of them he familiarly nodded. and a stranger would have taken him for an ordinary spectator! He wore his spectacles and sat with ease and dignified composure in the dock. occasionally shaking hands with some of his friends. The countenance of the prisoner indicated to the physiognomist, strong animal passion and irresistible temperament. His cheek bones are high. and the mouth with compressed lips, betrayed great resolution and firmness of character. The forehead is inclined to the angular--rather low particularly retreating below the middle height, and by no means a man of strong muscular strength. His general appearance makes no favorable impression.
About 9 o'clock the Judge entered the Court room, every available place of accommodation was jammed to excess.
On the prisoner being called to plead. he stood up firmly in the dock and pleaded not guilty, in a strong and firm tone of voice and while several of the jurors were being examined by the court as to whether or not they had formed or expressed an opinion, he manifested much anxiety as to the answer given.
When the Jury were sworn and the Clerk of the Court proceeded to read the indictments, the prisoner stood up in the dock and listened to the reading with marked attention He betrayed the same degree of firmness and resolution which he exhibited on his first entrance into Court and every eye was turned towards him.
What sub-type of article is it?
Legal Or Court
Crime
What keywords are associated?
Dr Webster
Trial Appearance
Court Demeanor
Not Guilty Plea
Physiognomy Description
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. Webster
Domestic News Details
Event Date
First Morning Of The Trial
Key Persons
Dr. Webster
Event Details
Dr. Webster entered the courtroom before the judges, took his seat with light steps and calm dignity, saluted friends, wore spectacles, and sat composedly. His physiognomy suggested strong passions and resolution. He pleaded not guilty firmly, showed anxiety during juror examination, and listened attentively to the indictments while maintaining firmness.