Leo Frank Case

Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.

Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent, was primarily involved in the case as he was accused of murdering 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a worker at his factory. The prosecution team included Hugh Dorsey, the solicitor general, and Tom Watson, a prominent anti-Semitic newspaper editor. Jim Conley, an African American janitor at the factory, played a crucial role as a witness against Frank. A group of vigilante men, known as the Knights of Mary Phagan, also played a role in the events surrounding the case. The Jewish community, both locally and nationally, as well as the general public, were also affected by the case.

just the names of the people involved

Leo Frank, Mary Phagan, Hugh Dorsey, Tom Watson, Jim Conley

What happened? Summarize the event!

In 1913, Leo Frank, a Jewish factory superintendent in Atlanta, was accused of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a worker at his factory. The case gained significant attention due to the anti-Semitic sentiments prevalent at the time. Frank was arrested, tried, and convicted based on circumstantial evidence and the testimony of Jim Conley, an African American janitor. However, there were many inconsistencies in the case, and doubt was cast on the validity of Conley's testimony. Despite appeals and attempts to commute his sentence, Frank was ultimately sentenced to death. However, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment by the Governor. The case spurred national debates on anti-Semitism and due process, leading to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League. In 1915, a mob abducted Frank from prison and lynched him, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudice and injustice surrounding the case.

Where did the event take place?

The Leo Frank case took place in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?

The Leo Frank case took place primarily in the city of Atlanta, which is located in Fulton County, Georgia.

When did the event take place?