The Trial of Theodore Parker

The title page names a trial for the misdemeanor of a speech in Faneuil Hall against Kidnapping, before the Circuit Court of the United States at Boston, April 3, 1855. The contents name, among others, a preface, an introduction and a defence. The account says that Mr. Parker was arraigned on Wednesday, November 29th, and ordered to recognize in bonds of $1,500 for his appearance at that Court, on the 5th of March, 1855.

The account also says that Tuesday, April 3d, was fixed for the commencement of the trials, and that Hon. Benjamin F. Hallett, District Attorney, and Elias Merwin appeared as counsel for the government. One part of the text mentions a report of a charge given by Justice Jones to the grand-jury, at the King’s Bench barre. The text asks whether a Commissioner appointed by the Judge of the Court as a ministerial officer to take bail and affidavits is a supreme or an inferior court, and says that if not, the fugitive slave bill is unconstitutional.