Geoffrey Bindman reflects on historic racism in court
Edward Marshall Hall (1858–1927) was one of the most famous criminal barristers of his time. He was fortunate to be the subject of an admiring biography by his younger friend and colleague Edward Marjoribanks. First published in 1929, it contains accounts of the trials of several of Hall’s most celebrated clients, including George Joseph Smith (the “brides in the bath”) and Seddon the poisoner. Hall’s career coincided with a period in which murder trials—the bloodier the better—were the staple diet of the popular press. They were a major source of public entertainment before the ages of radio and television. Hall was well suited to his starring role: handsome, eloquent, and fearless in his client’s defence.
At the same time, Hall had the common touch. Son of a Brighton GP, he was kind and compassionate, inspiring confidence and affection in all who knew him. It was surprising therefore to find him using racist language and stereotyping in one of his most famous cases. As I was reading about it at the same time as my old Oxford
