Catalogue description Assizes: Midland Circuit: Criminal Depositions and Case Papers

Until 1900, all the items in this Midland Circuit series arose from cases of murder, a high proportion of which were for infanticide. Between 1900 and 1943 other serious offences are included. After 1943, a wider range of offences is covered.

The earlier depositions are sometimes annotated with verdict and sentence. Those of the twentieth century are accompanied by indictments, lists of witnesses and exhibits, correspondence about the trial and/or appeal. Documentary exhibits also survive. These include photographs, medical reports, correspondence and printed material produced in evidence, maps and plans.

Notable prosecutions include espionage (1915), against members of the Irish Republican Army (1922, 1939), Alfred Arthur Rouse (the Blazing Car Murder, 1931), Ethel Major (murder, 1934), Frederick Nodder (abduction and murder, 1937), and the Great Train Robbers (1963).

Information (some records closed for dates as late as 2069) on the outcome of these cases is in ASSI 12