Criminal Justice

A famous case study in criminal justice known as ‘The Murder of Amasa Sprague’ is well analyzed by two authors namely; Charles and Tess Hofinann. This case study is found in the book of ‘The Murder and the Politics of Prejudice in Nineteenth century in Rhode Island.

In this case study, Amasa Sprague is attacked unware by stalkers from his village and is killed. This occurs after his family achieves wealth that is considerable in their generation. Moreover, two forces play a great part following Sprague’s murder. Firstly, there is the Irish population rise that is faced with suspicion and hatred from the groups that are more established in New England. Due to the problems that they are faced with, Amasa Sprague hires these immigrants and offers them with houses in his company; however this becomes a threat from those people that are not pleasant with this idea (Suzanne, 14).

Secondly, there is Dorr Rebellion from the Rhode Island. Thomas Wilson Dorr, one of the Irish descendants lead to change constitution of the states, but Dorr together with his supporters politically frustrated, find means to overthrow Rhode Island government. According to Frank, (12), the lowly immigrants are the main targets of killings in the Rhode Island. Dorr rebellion is therefore, put down and there is arrest of its leader due to these murder cases (Greg, 14).

Suspects who are involved with murder cases are; ‘The White Boys’, they are said to be members of associations that are illegal and are formed to insight resistance of collection of tithes and taxes. Richard (13), argues that they are believed to have been involved with Amasa Sprague’s murder because in spite of him not being a landlord he largely owned taverns, housings and most stores which these boys highly dislikes.

Various evidences that are drawn from this case are; witnesses who hear Nicholas Gordon declaring his enemity towards politicians, especially Amasa Sprague as he had refused to give him licenses. Also, pieces of damaged gun are found on the scene of the body, witnesses also claim to have seen a man with a gun heading in the vicinity of this crime. In my opinion, I think Nicholas Gordon is the murderer because, after the incident, tracks that are seen leaving this scene, and leads to a swamp with a coat full of blood and has bullet hole, and seems to be heading towards Gordon’s house direction.

In conclusion, Dorr rebellion is therefore, put down and there is arrest of its leaders due to these murder cases (Greg, 14).  Elites demands the case of Amasa Sprague solved and terminated so that Dorr can be disposed. On the other hand, Proper positions of leaders are also affirmed socially, economically and politically.

Works Cited

Garbe, Suzanne. Ghosts of Gettysburg: and other hauntings of the East. North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press, a Capstone imprint, 2014. Print.

Grandin, Greg. Wretched trial: the untold history of a slave rebellion in the age of liberty. London: Oneworld, 2014. Print.

Heppner, Frank H. Railroads of Rhode Island: shaping the Ocean State’s railways. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2012. Print.

Miller, Richard F. States at war: a reference guide for … in the Civil War. Hanover: University Press of New England, 2013. Print.

Wood, Maureen, and Ron Kolek. A ghost a day 365 true tales of the spectral, supernatural, and– just plain scary. Avon, Mass: Adams Media, 2010. Print.