Research Paper On The People Against Robert Jefferson Burglary

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The People against Robert Jefferson Burglary in the Third Degree, January 27, 1905 During the beginning of the twentieth century, Americans wanted change. The Progressive era was a time where people became more socially involved. Ending corruption in government was the most important part of the movement. Progressivism was an approach by the American people to reform local government, industry, churches and much more. Instead of living by the laws of the last century, this progress was beneficial to society as a whole. Crime at the turn of the century was also a concern, especially in urban communities. In this paper, I will discuss the 1905 jury trial of Robert Jefferson who was tried and convicted for the crime of Burglary in the Third Degree. On Monday, January 23, 1905, Mary F. Lake reported a burglary …show more content…

O’Connor, Prosecutor for the People, argued that the defendant, Robert Jefferson was guilty of Burglary in the Third Degree. Mr. O’Connor argued that there was an eye witness who could place Jefferson at the crime scene. Mr. O’Connor called Arthur Cooper to the stand for questioning. “Q. Now, will you just state what you did, when you got up to the apartment, and who you saw there, if anybody? A. Yes, I will. Q. Please do. A. When I got up there, the door was on a jar, and I rapped, and that young fellow there, he came to the door (indicating the defendant) (The People against Robert Jefferson 1905, 10). After being arrested, Jefferson implicated himself at the police station. Mr. O’Connor called Officer Joseph S. Davis to the stand for questioning. “Q. Now, what was it the defendant said, in the Station House, to you and O’Connor? A. I told the defendant, “You might as well tell us where those goods are. We have got a man who saw you in the flat,” and he said, “Well, if that man identifies me I’ll tell you where the goods is.” And I says, “All right. He will identify you” (The People against Robert Jefferson 1905,