The Great Trials of World History and the Lessons They Teach Us

by Douglas O. Linder

Listening Length: 12 hours and 11 minutes
No understanding of the past is complete without an understanding of the legal battles and struggles that have done so much to shape it. Inside a survey of world history's greatest trials are the key insights to critical issues we still talk about today, including freedom of speech, the death penalty, religious freedom, and the meaning of equality.

Join Professor Linder for these 24 lectures that investigate important legal cases from around the world and across the centuries. From the trials of Socrates in ancient Athens and Thomas More in Henry VIII's England to the Nuremburg Trials in the wake of World War II and the media frenzy of the O. J. Simpson murder case, you'll discover what each of these trials has to teach us about ourselves and our civilization.

Professor Linder takes you back in time to revisit some of history's most famous trials from fresh perspectives that ground them in the evolution of human ideas of law and justice, including the Salem Witch Trials, and the Scopes "Monkey" Trial. You'll also encounter less familiar (but equally important) legal battles, including medieval trials by ordeal and the Trial of Giordano Bruno, which would impact the later trial of Galileo.

For years, Professor Linder has studied the fascinating intersection between history and jurisprudence. Now he's crafted these lectures to share that fascination with you.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Law, Audiobook, Politics, Legal, World History

13 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 8, 2017

Reviews

[Maede · Rating 2 out of 5]

دیگه قصد ندارمش به ادامه‌ش گوش بدم. کم پیش میاد که از دوره‌های «گریت کورسز» خوشم نیاد، مخصوصاً اینکه همیشه لچررهای قوی‌ای داره

این‌بار به نظرم اینطور نبود. لکچرر فن‌بیان خوبی نداشت و خیلی یکنواخت جلو می‌رفت. در مورد محاکمه‌ها هم چندتای اول واقعا خوب بودند، ولی به تدریج حوصله‌سربر و کشدار شدند. از همه مهم‌تر اینکه این‌ها مهمترین محاکمه‌های جهان نیستند و در بهترین حالت مهمترین محاکمه‌های غرب و آمریکا هستند

۱۴۰۱/۷/۱۶

[Brad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three thoughts to share:

1. Douglas O. Linder is surely an intelligent man, but he is no lecturer. I have known lecturers like him both as a student and as a colleague, and he and his students would be much better off with him doing theoretical work while his T.A. takes the lectures. No different here. He knows his stuff, but of all The Great Courses I have listened to over the years he is the poorest speaker. He was, at times, truly dreadful.

2. This lecture series is only the merest bare bones introduction to each of the 25 cases covered. I was incredibly disappointed when it came to the cases I know well, although I did have my interest piqued
when it came to the cases I had only a passing familiarity with, so this has already sent me off in my own scattered directions of study, which is good, but I really wanted a little more than I got.

3. Linder was weakest on "the Lessons They Teach Us" part of the lectures (after his actual lecturing skills). His conclusions were trite, heavily biased, and not well backed by the information he'd provided about each case.

Still, I never felt like I had to force myself to carry on. I suppose that the subject matter was strong enough to keep me going regardless of its presentation, but this was still a disappointing outing.

[berlinbyovernight · Rating 4 out of 5]

well I have to say all ttc courses are great thought by experts. most of the lectures are 30 minutes and also with the lectures there is a pdf file included which highlights the key facts of the lecture and also suggests some books or articles for further reading if you are interested in the given topic .
I really enjoyed this one especially the Chicago eight trial ,and I only finished it by 30 minutes a day .
im a big fan of ttc courses cause i believe they truly qualify as high quality leisure and are therefore a great substitute for pointless surfing on social media when you are bored.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well...I’ve listened to the first audiobook this year that I consider a disappointment.

This audiobook examines various court trials throughout history with a great emphasis placed on American court trials in the latter portion of the audiobook.

Perhaps it was the fact that this audiobook doesn’t have an overarching narrative that made me dislike it? Each lecture may be listened to singularly as the lectures are not dependent upon listening to the previous or subsequent lectures. Also, the narrator’s voice tended to have the same tone and cadence throughout the entirety of the audiobook, and I found myself losing focus while listening to the audiobook.

This audiobook feels like the greatest hits of pop-culture in regards to legal trials throughout history, and let me tell you, it’s not a platinum selling album. The narrator doesn’t provide any details to help the listener contextualize the trial of discussion, apart from the year and location. He also discusses the details and jargon of the trials as if the listener is well-versed in the terminology—granted, I have not studied law or legal history, and this naivety may have proved detrimental to my own enjoyment of the audiobook. That being said, I have listened to other history audiobooks where the narrator explains a term and/or phrase that is frequently used, upon his or her first time using it (even terms/phrases that I am well aware of given my knowledge of the subject matter).

I feel as though if I was more well-versed in legal jargon and legal history, I would have enjoyed this audiobook more. Nevertheless, people who are educated in both legal doctrine and legal history will probably be more satisfied with this audiobook than I was.

[Beatriz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible and misleading title: only seven lectures take place before the 19th century and practically all of them involve England or the USA. Neither "the world" nor "history". Here are some trials that could have been covered instead of random ultra-specific US ones:

- Julia (ext important in terms of Roman gov, changed centre of judicial protocol)
-PISO! INTEGRAL
- uhm... jesus? Like that did change history lol
-Octavia arguably
-APULEIUS (esp because he skips like 800 years)
-st francis excommunication
- not a single spanish inquisition case against fake new christians
-Dante
-MARY STUART HELLO?
- his witch examples are incredibly us centric like not one mention of the hammer
- HE COMPLETELY SKIPPED OVER THE FRENCH REVOLUTION? WTF?
-NAPOLEON???
-Tiradentes
-DREYFUS??? the 20th century would've been different without it
-STAMMHEIM

thats just. off the top of my head

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but it’s important to recognized that it is badly misnamed. All of these trials have to do with western civilization and the vast majority have to do with the United States. That being said, I very much appreciated the chance to walk through the working of many interesting cases—several of which I had only a passing acquaintance with. So whether it’s an obscure trial such as that of Giordano Bruno or the far more well-known courtroom dramas of Nelson Mandela or the Scottsboro Boys, there’s a tremendous amount to learn in this Great Courses volume.

If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).

The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.

[Bronwyn Orsatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book/course. I love the format however I think it is too US centric and has too many US cases to be Great Trials of World History. It would have been better if there were more trials outside of either the US or US influence.

[Bruce Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally well-done, though not as meaty as I would have liked. The "lessons" in particular fell short of what I wanted and expected. That said, I don't regret buying and watching this Great Courses set. I learned a few things and saw a few other things from a different perspective.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embark on an intellectually stimulating voyage through the annals of history with "The Great Trials of World History," a captivating series offered by The Great Courses. This collection of lessons delves into the most pivotal trials that have shaped the course of human civilization, offering insights into the complexities of law, justice, and society across different time periods and cultures.

One of the standout features of this series is its comprehensive coverage of a diverse range of trials, from ancient times to the modern era, spanning different continents and legal systems. Through detailed analyses and expert commentary, viewers are given a profound understanding of the historical context, legal principles, and societal implications of each trial discussed.

The instructors of "The Great Trials of World History" are distinguished scholars and experts in their respective fields, ensuring that the content is not only informative but also engaging and thought-provoking. Their lucid explanations and compelling storytelling breathe life into these historical trials, making them accessible to learners of all backgrounds and interests.

Moreover, the series does an excellent job of highlighting the enduring relevance of these trials to contemporary issues and debates in law and justice. By drawing parallels between past and present legal challenges, viewers are encouraged to reflect on the evolution of legal systems and the enduring quest for justice in society.

Whether you are a history buff, a legal enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of law and society, "The Great Trials of World History" offers a rich and rewarding learning experience. Through its meticulous research, engaging presentation, and thought-provoking content, this series is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who embarks on this educational journey.

In conclusion, "The Great Trials of World History" is a must-watch for anyone interested in delving into the fascinating world of historical trials and their enduring impact on the fabric of human society. This series stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and understanding in illuminating the complexities of our shared past and shaping a more informed future.

[Haoyan Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only finished five of the lectures of "The Great Trials Of World History", but already I feel that most of these trials are bad trials, not great trials. I think the author did this deliberately and "great" means "famous" rather than "good". The trials of Socrates, Giordano Bruno, Thomas Moor are so bad that I couldn't even finish the Giordano Bruno story in case it spoiled my good mood today. Also the three are very much martyr like, sacrificing their life for an ideal. I could understand martyrs, but I infinitely prefer Galileo Galilei's strategy in preserving his own life.

The author laughs at the three medieval trials for their obvious ridiculousness. I joined in his laughter and found the stories more entertaining than any of those with sad martyrs who died for their beliefs. Then I thought probably medieval people are not as absurd as we would like to think of them. For example, we modern people put corpses on trials all the time. Of course we don't dig the corpse up and dress it and put it in a courtroom--the trial of Pope Formosus really shows people's taste for the extreme in the Middle Ages. We do our corpse trial in our mind, in the media, in movies, in classrooms. Often people of the past eras are put on modern trials and contemporary verdicts are handed out. We don't think we are absurd since we believe we are just and we do this for a good moral cause. Also the trial by combat between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris is not more unfair than many of the modern trials, which sometimes depend on societal prejudice, jury selection, the place the trial is held, the sway of public opinion, and most importantly money. While two men jousting for supremacy seems absurd to us as a form of serving justice, other methods seems to us to be fine if not ideal.

[Kristi Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this course! If you are a fan of true crime or law shows, this is an excellent overview of the most famous trials in history.
Socrates trial to OJ's trial and a breakdown to why the jury decided what they did, how that affected our judicial system and the ways our world changed because of these trials.
My favorite trials lectured on in this course were the Mississippi Burning trial and the Scottsboro boys trial. The outcomes may not be what we wanted but they did move the course of our country to better representation by all races.
There are so many trials he wasn't able to talk about, that I hope he will do another course as a follow-up.
I borrowed this course from my local library.

[Jeff Keehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trials included in this lecture series are important ones but the professor has very little to say about them. He gives a brief summation at the end of each lecture but it feels like too little too late. Maybe he was under serious time constraints. I read an entire book on the so-called Monkey Trail (in this case, the one by Sprague de Camp), so there is plenty to say about each of these trials. So perhaps I am blaming the professor rather than the people in charge at the Teaching Company. In any case, I did learn new things about each of these trials and I would recommend these lectures; I just felt a little cheated.

[Trisha Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

insight into how laws are shaped by trials. Captivating and enlightening lessons on important events in law and human history.


This audiobook course is fascinating and entertaining. It goes through a bunch of famous and influential legal trials and breaks down the details and context. I’m understanding a lot more how the law actually works and how these trials have shape the laws and society. Holy smokes it’s cool!

[Stephen Heiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fascinating walk through historical trials, from the Death of Socrates to the Chicago Eight.

Cases I particularly enjoyed Professor Linder discussing were those of:

St. Thomas More
Salem Witch Trials
Scopes Monkey Trial
Giordano Bruno

He has an excellent way of combining history and jurisprudence, but my only quibble is at times he displays a bit more understanding of the law than history in a particular trial. That said, all of these lectures are worth hearing.

[Konrad von Pless · Rating 3 out of 5]

"World" is a bit of a misleading word in this case. After the five initial trials, (ancient to reneissance period), the focus rests squarely on American cases with three exceptions: that of Oscar Wilde, Nuremberg, and Nelson Mandela. All in all, it could be summarized as the great trials which entered the American psyche.

[Jordan Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like you’re there!!!

I’ve read Great Courses before. Yep, they are long and cover a heck of a lot of info. This course is simply amazing. I’m a no spoiler gal, so I’ll say I went in thinking “oh I know all about that trial” and then sat dumbstruck. It’s easy to get caught up and listen to several cases at a time - therefore a quick read!

[Kevin Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun history! I was engrossed.
The only complaint I have is that I wish the author would have emphasized a little more about the effects/ramifications of these trials. The emphasis was more on the story and background. There was some discussion of the lasting effects, I just wanted more is all. Very fun series of lectures!

[Jeff J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting audiobook, a series of lectures about significant trials, from Socrates to OJ. The defining criteria for inclusion doesn’t seem to be the precedent that is set, rather the debate over the decision.

[Jeffery Guichelaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, though "world history" was an overstatement, it was approximately 70% US trials, entirely Western, and almost exclusively from the Anglo world. I don't think that's a bad thing in and of itself, but the "world history" in the title is an overstatement.

[Sharolyn Stauffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there were more than western civilization trials here, in order to consider it truly a world history lecture series. But there were some interesting highlights of trials I was not familiar with and their significance.

[Nicholas Nelson]

So many trials that I’ve never heard of! Giordano Bruno, Leopold and Loeb, Amistad, Alger Hiss, Chicago Eight, the McMartin Preschool Abuse Trial, Conspiracy Trials of Aaron Burr and The Lincoln Assassination, Socrates, and more. So insightful!

[Abdul Alhazred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the "world history" title this is almost exclusively western hemisphere and majority american trials. But the selection is still good and there's enough nuance and detail to elucidate even on trials I thought I knew. Very good.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories were fascinating and concise, but there wasn't much in terms of outlining how each case study fit within the parameters of the overarching argument. The audiobook was also poorly recorded.

[Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. The 24 trials chosen were diverse in the issues before the Court, the social and political implications and the accused themselves. Fascinating how much has changed over time (and equally jarring how much has remained the same).

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to some trials and people with whom I was unfamiliar! Regarding the newer cases I already knew, there wasn’t a whole lot of extra information. It gave me some topics to look up to dig a little deeper into some of the trials.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lectures are too short to fully describe the history surrounding the selected trials, and the majority of the trials took place in the U.S. For this selection of trials, a narrower focus on the U.S. and the combined impact would have made for a more fulfilling lecture series.

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great to quickly run through 24 trials that ended up being impactful on contemporary life or was very important in its own time.

At just over 12 hours, each trial is about 30 minutes long - so if you like true crime podcasts, you may want to give this a go!

[Skuli Saeland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fyrirlestrar og þekkt dómsmál í sögunni. Fannst valið og úrvinnslan ekkert sérstök en mörg dómsmálanna kannaðist maður við vegna sögulegra tenginga.

[Jonathan Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the pronounciations were a little funky when he was talking about the Rivonia Trials, but the content was good.