Laura Fair

Laura Fair

Laura D. Fair (1837–1919) was an American woman who was tried and acquitted in a high-profile case for the murder of her lover, Alexander Parker Crittenden, a prominent lawyer and married man, in 1870. The case attracted national attention due to the scandalous love affair and the legal precedents it set regarding women's rights and self-defense.

Early Life

Laura D. Fair was born in 1837. Little is documented about her early life before she became infamously linked to Alexander Parker Crittenden. By the time she met Crittenden, she was a divorced woman, which was relatively uncommon and socially stigmatized during the 19th century.

The Affair

Laura Fair and Alexander Parker Crittenden began their affair in the 1860s. Crittenden was a married man with children, which added to the scandal when the affair became public. Fair reportedly believed that Crittenden would marry her if his wife were out of the picture, a belief that played a crucial role in the tragic events that followed.

The Murder

On November 3, 1870, Laura Fair shot Alexander Parker Crittenden to death on a ferry in San Francisco Bay. She was arrested and charged with murder. The case quickly became a sensation, partly due to the social status of the individuals involved and partly because of the sensational nature of their relationship.

Trial and Acquittal

Laura Fair's trial was a landmark case in the history of American legal proceedings. Her defense argued that she was driven to the act by the emotional and psychological abuse inflicted by Crittenden, who had allegedly promised to marry her and then reneged on his promise. In an era when women had few legal rights and were often treated as property, Fair's defense strategy was groundbreaking.

The trial featured intense media coverage and public interest, with opinions divided on Fair's guilt or innocence. In the end, Laura Fair was acquitted of the murder charge, a verdict that shocked many and was seen as a significant moment for women's rights in the legal system.

Later Life

After her acquittal, Laura Fair attempted to rebuild her life away from the public eye. She lived for several decades after the trial, passing away in 1919. Details of her later life are sparse, as she largely succeeded in retreating from public attention.

Legacy

Laura D. Fair's trial remains a significant chapter in American legal and social history. It highlighted issues of gender, power, and legal rights that were ahead of their time. The case is often cited in discussions of women's rights and self-defense laws.