Trial of Jeanne Catherine: Infanticide in Early Modern Geneva

In 1686, Jeanne Catherine Thomasset was charged with poisoning two young children in Geneva. The Trial of Jeanne Catherine is a suspenseful historical mystery that delves into motherhood, child-rearing, gender, religion, local politics, and criminal justice in early modern Europe. This edition includes the complete trial transcript and deliberations of the Genevan authorities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 22 January 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

In 1686, in Geneva, a single mother named Jeanne Catherine Thomasset faced charges of poisoning two young children. These children were her own illegitimate daughter and the son of a rural wet nurse. This case initiated a distressing criminal trial, during which Jeanne Catherine was subjected to multiple interrogations, sometimes involving torture, to ascertain the truth. The Trial of Jeanne Catherine is a captivating historical mystery that presents students with an invaluable opportunity to delve into various aspects of early modern European society. It explores motherhood, child-rearing, gender roles, religion, local politics, and the practice of criminal justice. This edition includes the complete trial transcript, as well as the deliberations of the Genevan authorities and relevant correspondence.

Jeanne Catherine Thomasset, a single mother residing in Geneva in 1686, found herself charged with a heinous act: poisoning two young children. These children were her own illegitimate daughter and the son of a rural wet nurse. The ensuing criminal trial was a harrowing ordeal, during which Jeanne Catherine was subjected to multiple interrogations, sometimes involving torture, in an attempt to unravel the truth. This trial serves as a suspenseful historical mystery, offering students a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of early modern European society. It delves into motherhood, child-rearing, gender roles, religion, local politics, and the practice of criminal justice.

The Trial of Jeanne Catherine is a captivating historical mystery that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the events and circumstances surrounding the case. The trial transcript, which is included in this edition, offers a firsthand account of the proceedings, allowing students to witness the interrogation techniques employed by the Genevan authorities and the testimony of witnesses and experts. The deliberations of the Genevan authorities, as well as relevant correspondence, provide further insight into the legal process and the societal attitudes of the time.

By examining the Trial of Jeanne Catherine, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of motherhood, child-rearing, gender roles, and the intersection of religion and politics in early modern Europe. The case also sheds light on the practice of criminal justice in the 17th century, highlighting the methods employed by authorities to obtain confessions and the importance of due process and the protection of the accused's rights.

In conclusion, the Trial of Jeanne Catherine is a captivating historical mystery that offers students a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of early modern European society. Through the comprehensive trial transcript, deliberations, and relevant correspondence, students can gain a deeper understanding of motherhood, child-rearing, gender roles, religion, local politics, and the practice of criminal justice. This edition serves as a valuable resource for educators and students alike, providing a valuable insight into the past and contributing to our collective knowledge of history.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 203 x 288 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487587673