Linder's Al Capone Trial (1931)

The 1931 Al Capone Case of Al Capone could be described as an attempt to prosecute whatever will stick. More specifically, Linder states that a man who could not be punished for murder, is later punished for tax-evasion (Linder “All Capone Trial (1931): An Account”). However, the trial itself was not easy. More specifically, the witnesses needed to be made up of individuals who would turn on Capone (Linder “All Capone Trial (1931): An Account”). Even more so, Capone attempted to influence the jurors in his favor by researching who made up the jury (Linder “All Capone Trial (1931): An Account”). Thankfully, the Judge knew Capone’s game, and not only were the jurors resolved, but the Judge sentenced Capone due to his tax-evasion (Linder “All …show more content…
Their Testimonies were important because they raised questions of the funds differing, the source of the funds, and Al Capone’s financial structure (law2umkc.edu, “All Capone Trial (1931): Excerpts from the Trial Transcripts”). Yet, there was hearsay evidence in this trial; an example of this, would be Shumway’s description of Al Capone’s interaction with those who opposed his action (law2umkc.edu “Al Capone Trial (1931): Excerpts form the Trial Transcripts”). The need for hearsay evidence is unfortunate since it can weaken the prosecutors’ argument. Although no expert witness could be found in this research, physical evidence used in the case are as stated: an IRS sheet, Ledger Page, money order, invoice, hewelled buckle, and “Mattingly Letter” (law2umkc.edu “All Capone Trial (1931): Selected Prosecution Exhibits”). Similar to the importance of the witnesses, the evidence asks the jurors, “Where, how, and why?” (law2umkc.edu “All Capone Trial (1931): Selected Prosecution Exhibits”) The prosecutions’ strategy appears to have been to lessen Al Capone’s credibility by raising certain questions and showing the witnesses who were against him. Furthermore, they seemed to be unconcerned with the type of crime as long as Capone was incarcerated because of it (weebly.com “(1931) Al Capone”). Yet, like …show more content…
It also gave an understanding of how involved a lawyer and other criminal justice professionals have to be involved to succeed in a case. This research has taught that the law cannot always punish every crime committed; however, it is necessary to realize what areas can be prosecuted. Furthermore, although Capone’s legal rights may have hindered the prosecutions case, these rights still should remain. In addition, by researching this case, it disproves so much of what is seen in entertainment, with regards to the quick and straightforward path of crime, trial, and