AustLit

'In 1885, George Dean, a Sydney ferry boat Captain, was accused of attempting to poison his wife. Dean, having saved six passengers from drowning, was a local hero. The verdict of guilty outraged the public and the popular press took up cudgels. Citizens formed Dean Defence Committees. Dean's lawyer Richard Meagher, realised his hoped-for political career could benefit from the publicity. His partner, William 'Paddy' Crick, championed Dean's cause in parliament, and a Royal Commission was set up to examine fresh evidence and decide whether Dean should be released.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 21/9/2012)

'Drama based on a bizarre murder trial which scandalized the people of Sydney in 1865. Louis Bertrand a society dentist, mesmerist, frustrated actor and womaniser, was determined to have Mrs Kinder, a woman of dubious morals, to himself. He openly plotted to murder her hapless multi-cuckolded husband, Mr Kinder. But did he actually commit the crime? In court a strange tale unfolded, recalled by his young dental assistant/part-time magician.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 21/9/2012)

'One of Australia's most controversial murder trials. Hannah Jane was found with her throat severely cut - too severely for suicide. Her husband was the chief suspect and the case became an example of a jury being overwhelmed by questionable expert scientific evidence.'

Source: Screen Australia. (Sighted: 21/9/2012)

In 1902, thirteen-year-old Bertha Schippan was savagely murdered in Towitta, South Australia. Her elder sister was convicted of the crime but public sympathy saved her from being hanged. This explores the possible reasons for her actions, suggesting that she did it as a means of escaping a harsh and spartan family life.