Presidential Assassinations | Murder for Spoils | 1
American History Tellers
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The Trial of Charles Gato
The trial of Charles Gato began on November 14, 1881 in Washington DC Jury selection proved challenging Most potential jurors insisted they were convinced of Gato's guilt. The prosecution encountered the insanity defense by having experts testify that Gato understood the unlufffulness of his actions. In January 1883 President Chester Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act into law Mandating that most federal government positions be appointed based on merit, not patronage. On June 30th 1882 spectators gathered in Washington to watch Gato ascend the gallows. Today most medical experts believe Garfield would have survived, if not for his inadequate medical care.
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