There were trials following the Myall Creek massacre. The first trial was held on 15 November 1838, and twelve white settlers were charged with murder, but acquitted. This was a clear miscarriage of justice. Some of the men in the district who held no sympathy towards the aboriginal people rounded up support and enough funds to hire the best legal counsel to get the perpetrators let off. Squatters from all over NSW gathered at the trial to defend their right to kill any Aborigines found on their land. Another Magistrate, Mr Robert Scott, told the killers in gaol exactly what to say, and he also used his money and influence to persuade the jury to return a "not guilty" verdict.
The following were brought to trial, but acquitted.
While initially many people celebrated, the judge to whom the "not guilty" verdict was given ordered all the accused to be arrested again. A second trial was held on November 26, and this time the twelve men were charged with the murder of just one Aboriginal child. They were found guilty, and seven of the men were hanged in December under the authority of Governor George Gipps.
Those hanged were:
Detailed information about both the event and the trial can be found at the related link below.
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