In Inez, Ky., John Mills choked his mother to death in a religious ceremony, went to jail. During the Grand Jury examination local politicians made electioneering speeches, witnesses left hearings to attend a medicine show, swap animals at a mule trading bee. During the trial witnesses absented themselves, mooned about town to "chaw the rag with, the folks," jurors chatted with friends, waved greetings. Presiding Judge J. F. Bailey spent an hour charging the jury, mentioned the case at hand in but one sentence, reprimanded one juror for hobnobbing. After deliberation the...
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