The Oscar Wilde Trials Revisited

It is only given to very few people to be the principal figure in three Old Bailey trials, before three different judges, and at three consecutive court sessions, all in one year. This complexity is one of the fascinations of the 1895 Oscar Wilde trials. In addition, they embodied celebrity, sex, humorous dialogue, outstanding displays of advocacy and political intrigue woven with issues of art and morality.

Wilde's prosecution of the Marquess of Queensberry for criminal libel, and Wilde's later prosecution for 'gross indecency', reveal a complex person at odds with a class-centred and morally ambiguous Victorian society.

This work considers Wildes's famous trials in chronological sequence and invites the reader to participate as an observer and potential juror in the proceedings.

Finally, the reader is encouraged to consider the evidence presented at each trial and arrive at their own conclusions. This work will be of particular interest to law students owing to the counsel's skillfully demonstrated advocacy skills. It also caters for the general reader with a particular interest in presenting criminal cases in the courts in England.

Dr David Holding studied history at Manchester University before entering the teaching profession in the 1970s. He taught in both state and independent sectors. During this time, he continued historical research culminating in both a Master's degree and a Doctorate. Having previously studied law, David gained a Master of Law degree in Medical Law, which enabled him to transfer to teaching legal courses at university. Since retiring, David has concentrated his research and writing on various aspects of local history, legal trials, forensic science and medico-legal topics.

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