Verdict

This chapter looks at Recorder Frederick Augustus Tallmadge's opinion about how Henry Ballard's behavior toward Amelia Norman during the two years of their acquaintance could not be admitted as evidence. It mentions Amelia's defense, who worked to prove that her encounter with Henry Ballard had changed her from a virtuous, happy young woman to one who was in desperate trouble, miserable, and out of her mind. It also refers to defense witness John K. Liston, who described Amelia after stabbed Ballard, emphasizing how she appeared very pale and languid, and prostrate from some cause. The chapter talks about Madame Restell, the trial's celebrity witness, who caused excitement in the courtroom due to the notoriety she acquired as a target for opponents of abortion. It discusses American midwives that had long provided abortions or abortifacients to women without attention from the law.