Broadside concerning the proceedings of the Circuit Court of Justiciary, Glasgow

Commentary

This court report begins: 'A particular account of the procedure of the Circuit Court of Justiciary held at Glasgow on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday the 19, 20, 21st of September 1786, giving a particular account of the trial and sentence of the different criminals.'

Three separate cases are reported on this sheet, the main being that of John Cox, and then a further two relating to Elizabeth Paul Wilson and Daniel MacKay. This sheet is revealing not only of the types of crimes being committed in its contemporary society, and their details, but also of the court proceedings themselves. The official opening and the prayer are detailed as are the specifics of each witness' appearance.

Reports recounting dark and salacious deeds were popular with the public, and, like today's sensationalist tabloids, sold in large numbers. Crimes could generate sequences of sheets covering descriptive accounts, court proceedings, last words, lamentations and executions as they occurred. As competition was fierce, immediacy was paramount, and these occasions provided an opportunity for printers and patterers to maximise sales.

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