The American Mercury Chronicles Hooper’s Prosecution in the 1913 Leo Frank Murder Trial

Part of The American Mercury’s series on the 1913 Leo Frank trial, this video focuses on Frank Arthur Hooper, the assistant prosecutor whose efforts helped convict Leo Frank for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan at the National Pencil Company. Drawing from the trial’s Brief of Evidence, it details Hooper’s closing arguments on August 21, 1913, where he addressed the jury, stressing the importance of truth and justice. Hooper painted Frank as a dual-natured figure, using the “Dr. Jekyll” analogy to suggest hidden immorality, supported by forensic evidence and testimonies about Frank’s behavior toward young female workers. The episode examines Hooper’s role as a key ally to Hugh Dorsey, contributing to Frank’s conviction on August 25, 1913. Amidst antisemitism allegations and societal unrest, the trial led to Frank’s 1915 lynching and the creation of the Anti-Defamation League, a case that continues to spark debate over fairness in the legal system.