14 episodes

From the Salem Witch Trials to O.J. Simpson, trials have always revealed hidden truths about our world. History on Trial digs into famous legal battles from American history, uncovering the real story behind the headlines, and exploring the powerful cultural contexts that shaped the verdicts -- and still impact us today. Fans of true crime, legal dramas, and history alike will be captivated by the unbelievable cases that played out in the courtrooms of history.

Hosted by Mira Hayward. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

History on Trial iHeartPodcasts

    • History
    • 4.7 • 335 Ratings

From the Salem Witch Trials to O.J. Simpson, trials have always revealed hidden truths about our world. History on Trial digs into famous legal battles from American history, uncovering the real story behind the headlines, and exploring the powerful cultural contexts that shaped the verdicts -- and still impact us today. Fans of true crime, legal dramas, and history alike will be captivated by the unbelievable cases that played out in the courtrooms of history.

Hosted by Mira Hayward. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

    Vanderbilt v. Vanderbilt

    Vanderbilt v. Vanderbilt

    In 1934, a custody battle between members of one of America's wealthiest families proved that money truly can't buy happiness. At the case's heart was Gloria Vanderbilt, dubbed "Poor Little Rich Girl" by the press. Her mother, Gloria, and her aunt, Gertrude, both claimed that they just wanted what was best for the girl. But was a courtroom the best place to decide little Gloria's future?
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Rebellion in Jackson County

    Rebellion in Jackson County

    In 1933, a populist uprising in Jackson County, Oregon, threatened to overthrow the county government. The escalating violence reached its peak when one of the group's leaders, Llewellyn Banks, shot a police officer who had come to arrest him for election interference. Would Banks's murder trial extinguish the burning ember of insurrection in Jackson County…or fan the flames into an inferno? 
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 10 min
    The Crime of the Century

    The Crime of the Century

    In 1924, the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks horrified the country, especially when the killers were revealed to be two wealthy teenagers, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Everyone expected Leopold & Loeb to hang. But would the arrival of one of America's most famous defense lawyers, Clarence Darrow, change the outcome?
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    The Trial of Tokyo Rose: Part Two

    The Trial of Tokyo Rose: Part Two

    In 1949, Iva Toguri D'Aquino's treason trial began. The defendant was accused of collaborating with the Japanese during World War II by working as the legendary propaganda radio host "Tokyo Rose." Iva was confident that a trial would reveal the truth and exonerate her. But what would happen when it became clear that the prosecution wasn't interested in playing by the rules...or following the law?
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 6 min
    The Trial of Tokyo Rose: Part One

    The Trial of Tokyo Rose: Part One

    In 1945, American journalists in Japan scrambled to identify the legendary "Tokyo Rose," an English-speaking, female broadcaster who had performed in Japanese propaganda radio broadcasts during the war. One woman who seemed to fit the bill was Iva Toguri D'Aquino, an American citizen who worked on the famous radio program "Zero Hour." How had Iva become Tokyo Rose? And were her actions treasonous? This is part one of a two part series.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 44 min
    The Motion Picture Murder

    The Motion Picture Murder

    In 1874, the father of motion pictures stood trial for murder. Most people know Eadweard Muybridge as a pioneering photographer and inventor whose work sparked the birth of movies. But Muybridge had a dark side: he was once accused on murdering his wife's lover. Would a Western jury, comfortable with the idea of taking justice into one's own hands, let Muybridge get away with it?
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 hr 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
335 Ratings

335 Ratings

Ggghggf ,

Always Entertaining

There is not a more consistent podcast that entertains while also informs the listener as this. This show presents new (to me at least) court cases that, at most times, are aptly prescient to our unique times. Everyone has been a delight and I eagerly anticipate the next.

Earl Murl ,

Enchanting and Educational

This is one of my favorite podcasts!

Madison Dwyer* ,

Love it!

Great podcast. Well done and entertaining! Can’t wait for more to come. Only wish they were released more often 😃

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