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Slavery and the Making of AmericaDramatic re-enactment of a slave in uniform
Time and Place Slave Memories Resources The Slave Experience

The Slave Experience: Legal Rights & Gov't
Intro Historical Overview Character Spotlight You be the Judge Personal Narratives Original Docs
You be the Judge Legal Rights & Gov't
Missouri v. Celia (1855) return to introduction
The prosecution claims that Celia, a slave, is guilty of the murder of her master, Robert Newsom.
Continue to evidence
The Counsel The Judge
Circuit Court Attorney Robert Prewitt for the prosecution

John Jameson (with Nathan Chapman Kours and Isaac M. Boulware) for the defense 		Circuit Court Judge William Augustus Hall

The Jury is made up of twelve white men from Callaway, at least four of whom are slaveowners.
The Prosecution's Claim The Defendant's Claim
That Celia, a slave, is guilty of the murder of her master, Robert Newsom That Celia killed Newsom unintentionally while defending herself against rape

Photo of Missouri slave cabin
The Laws

Missouri "Slave Code" of 1804
Missouri statute of 1845, article 2, section 29
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SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA is a production of Thirteen/WNET New York.
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