What was the result of Leo Frank's trial regarding the murder of Mary Phagan?

Study for the USG Legislative Requirements Exam in U.S. and Georgia History and Constitution. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare efficiently for your exam!

The result of Leo Frank's trial for the murder of Mary Phagan was that he was found guilty and sentenced to death. This verdict, rendered in 1913, was heavily influenced by the sensationalized media coverage and prevailing anti-Semitic sentiments of the time, which played a significant role in shaping public opinion against Frank, who was a Jewish factory manager. The trial faced numerous controversies, including the lack of substantial forensic evidence and the questionable testimony presented against him.

The prosecution's case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies that were later called into question. In 1915, despite the controversial nature of the trial and ongoing appeals, Frank's death sentence was upheld but later commuted to life in prison by Governor John M. Slaton due to concerns over the integrity of the trial. This decision, however, led to Frank being lynched by a mob in 1915, highlighting the intense racial and social tensions of the period.

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