Scottsboro Trials Research Paper

In the state of Alabama, one court case in particular was so controversial that the government was still trying to resolve it in 2013. These nine boys were guilty in the eyes of the south. Although, this time period was known for racism, there were some whites who believed these boys. The Scottsboro Trials were very controversial because these nine boys were convicted with no solid evidence, they were simply in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong color of skin. March 25, 1931 would change these boys’ lives forever. These boys were the uneducated sons of sharecroppers and servants. They faced immense prejudice in a country that preached equality for all. They were on a train, going from town to town to find work. They encountered a group of white men and a fight broke out, while two girls watched. Some of the white men were thrown off the train. In the town of Paint Rock, the train was ordered to stop, where the boys were taken away by a group of

A jury of all white men sentenced the nine boys to death except the youngest. The first trial consisted of the two oldest boys, Clarence Norris and Charlie Weems. The main witness was the oldest girl named Victoria Price. Victoria won over the courtroom with her wise cracks and gusto. It took the jury only two hours to decide the fate of these two boys, death. In the second trial, Haywood Patterson was sentenced to death. In the third trial, Olin Montgomery, Andy Wright, Eugene Williams, Willie Roberson, and Ozzie Powell, were convicted and sentenced to death. “The most shameful of the cases was left to last.” (Famous American Trials). 14 year old Roy Wright, was held at the mercy of the white authorities. “He deserved no lenience on account of his youth.” (Famous American Trials). The judge declared a mistrial and he was returned to jail to await another trial. Within three days’ time, eight boys were tried, convicted, and sentenced to