Tuesday, 29th July 1913 Frank Trial Will Last One Week And Probably Two, Attorneys Say

Atlanta Journal
July 29th, 1913

Indications Are That Trial Will Be Longest Over Which Judge Roan Has Presided, To Hold Two Sessions Daily

Attorneys both for the defense and for the prosecution of Leo M. Frank believe that his trial will last at least one week, perhaps, two weeks.

If the trial continues through more than one week it will be the longest over which Judge L. S. Roan has ever presided.

But, while he will expedite the trial as fast as possible, he intenrs [sic] to give attorneys all the time needed for the introduction of testimony and for argument.

He will hasten the proceedings chiefly by holding afternoon as well as morning sessions. The exact time at which the court will take recess for luncheon, and will adjourn in the afternoon as not been fixed. But the morning session will begin at 9 o'clock, and recess will be taken about 12:30. Court will reconvene again at 2 and will continue in session until about 5:30.

By this arrangement about seven hours a day will be spent in taking testimony, in argument or in other details of the trial.

In giving their opinion of the length of the trial, attorneys for the defense and for the prosecution said:

Solicitor General Hugh Dorsey—"One week, maybe two weeks."

Attorney Reuben Arnold—"One week, at least."

Attorney Luther Z. Rosser—"Certainly not less than one week."

The longest trial in the experience of Judge L. S. Roan, the presiding judge, was the Mitchell case at Thomasville which continued one week. But at that hearing, one witness was kept on the stand during a day and a half.