Elizabeth Woolcock's Posthumous Pardon Plea

0:00Adelaide's story is making news on March 7th. More than 150 years ago, Elizabeth Woolcock became the only woman ever hanged in South Australia. The 25-year-old was convicted of poisoning her husband Thomas with mercury chloride and executed in 1873 at Adelaide Gaul. Her case has long sparked debate over whether she was truly guilty. Woolcock endured a rough life from the start. Abandoned young by her mother, she faced abuse on the gold fields, and later married an alcoholic husband who gambled in turned violent. She tried leaving him multiple times and even attempted suicide, but stayed trapped in the marriage until his sudden illness and death. Now, descendants and legal experts are fighting for a posthumous pardon. Liais the Peters, continuing her late father's research, launched a petition with 11 key reasons to reopen the case. This March the third bid to clear Woolcock's name, backed by fresh support from law professors. Experts like David Plader from Adelaide University call it a clear injustice.

1:03They point to a rushed trial with an unprepared lawyer, an all-male jury, and shaky evidence that never proved mercury caused the death. A pre-execution confession also holds little value in today's view, as it was common for prisoners to repent publicly back then. Meanwhile, a new play at the Adelaide Fringe Festival revives her story right in the old gal. Performers hope it gets audiences questioning her guilt and highlights ongoing issues for women in tough spots. The push for pardon now rests with the state governor, who rarely grants such requests. This episode is supported by our sponsor. You know what is better than earbuds in bed? No earbuds at all. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.