James A. Garfield

In this article from the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School, the legal definitions surrounding the insanity defense are defined. The article outlines different insanity legal tests throughout history and how they have been used in trials.

In this account, historian Douglas O. Linder recounts the events leading up to the trial of Charles Guiteau, the assassin of President James A. Garfield. Linder describes the trial itself, the sentencing, and the aftermath of the trial including his execution.

In this NY Times article from September 19th, 1881, the newspaper announced the president's unexpected death and the circumstances leading up to his death. The newspaper recapped the president's last moments and the first news of his death.

Composite of 9 photoprints: portraits of Pres. Garfield, Dr. Bliss, Dr. Townshend and Guiteau the assassin; exterior of B.&P. Depot and room where he was shot; the coffin in State in U.S. Capitol; the gun used

<p><span class="deck"> <span class="typestyle"> Two shots rang out in the railroad station, and the President of the United States slumped to the floor, mortally wounded</span> </span></p>

<p><span class="deck"> <span class="typestyle"> One summer brought excitement and glory to the young secretary of a political leader. How could he know that the next one would brim with tragedy?</span> </span></p>

<p><span class="deck"> <span class="typestyle"> A century ago a President’s murderer went on trial for the first time in our history. The issues raised then continue to trouble us.</span> </span></p>

<p><span class="deck"> <span class="typestyle"> The story of how a blast of cool, dry air changed America</span> </span></p>

<p>After assassinating President Garfield, a lunatic gunman mounted an insanity defense, which the jury--and the nation--rejected, despite compelling evidence to the contrary.</p>