Expert Workshops NLI, December 2015. Abigail Rieley, criminal ancestors in historical records.

 Move over Sherlock:

How to unmask a murderer (or any other criminal).

Beyond family documents, criminal records can provide some of the richest genealogical records available. Legal History expert Abigail Rieley brings over 20 years professional experience as an author and court reporter, to her subject.

Abigail discusses some famous murder trials in 19th Century Ireland, and considers the key sources for criminal investigations, trials, and punishment, and where to find them.

In an overview of 19th & 20th Century criminal records for Ireland she asks:

• what do the records tell us about the criminal justice system at that time?
• what kind of lives did convicted criminals subsequently lead? and
• how did their crimes impact on the families of their victims (where documented)?

Abigail Rieley provides clarity and insight into a darker aspect of Irish history.

Listen to this podcast here.

Listen to all the podcasts from our expert talks in the National Library of Ireland here