The Legal Stories of Two Women

American Woman

This flow traces the legal and public conflict over whether Pauline was a victim, participant, or both, and Jenny’s uneasy role in defending her.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Defense of Coercion A Defense of Coercion from "American Woman". A Defense of Coercion Lawyers Build a Case Pauline’s lawyers argue that captivity and brainwashing compromised her ability to choose her actions.

A Defense of Coercion from "American Woman". A Defense of Coercion Lawyers Build a Case Pauline’s lawyers argue that captivity and brainwashing compromised her ability to choose her actions.

A Defense of Coercion Lawyers Build a Case Pauline’s lawyers argue that captivity and brainwashing compromised her ability to choose her actions. Jenny’s statement supports this account by portraying Pauline as a captive, even though Jenny knows the account is incomplete. A Dangerous Simplification The legal strategy may help Pauline, but it compresses a complicated relationship into a victim narrative.

Bail Denied Bail Denied from "American Woman". Bail Denied The Court’s Decision The judge denies Pauline bail despite the defense’s portrayal of her as manipulated and unwell.

Bail Denied from "American Woman". Bail Denied The Court’s Decision The judge denies Pauline bail despite the defense’s portrayal of her as manipulated and unwell.

Bail Denied The Court’s Decision The judge denies Pauline bail despite the defense’s portrayal of her as manipulated and unwell. The ruling leaves her imprisoned and intensifies the struggle over who may define her history. A Second Attempt Her lawyers pursue new testimony, including Jenny’s account of Pauline’s behavior during the lost year.

Jenny’s Statement Jenny’s Statement from "American Woman". Jenny’s Statement A Deliberate Lie Jenny writes that Pauline was always a captive and that Jenny herself was among the captors.

Jenny’s Statement from "American Woman". Jenny’s Statement A Deliberate Lie Jenny writes that Pauline was always a captive and that Jenny herself was among the captors.

Jenny’s Statement A Deliberate Lie Jenny writes that Pauline was always a captive and that Jenny herself was among the captors. She knowingly shapes the facts to support Pauline’s release, repeating the logic that context can change what a fact means. A Failed Defense The judge rejects the statement as a cynical tactic, leaving Jenny’s sacrifice without the result she hoped for.

Pauline Names Jenny Pauline Names Jenny from "American Woman". Pauline Names Jenny A New Accusation Jenny learns that Pauline has identified her as an accessory to Mr. Morton’s murder.

Pauline Names Jenny from "American Woman". Pauline Names Jenny A New Accusation Jenny learns that Pauline has identified her as an accessory to Mr. Morton’s murder.

Pauline Names Jenny A New Accusation Jenny learns that Pauline has identified her as an accessory to Mr. Morton’s murder. The news breaks the assumption that Pauline would protect her and turns their private bond into a legal liability. Grief Before Judgment Jenny struggles to decide whether the testimony is betrayal, coerced survival, or both.

Unequal Sentences Unequal Sentences from "American Woman". Unequal Sentences Different Legal Outcomes Pauline is convicted of the bank robbery but serves less than two years before commutation.

Unequal Sentences from "American Woman". Unequal Sentences Different Legal Outcomes Pauline is convicted of the bank robbery but serves less than two years before commutation.

Unequal Sentences Different Legal Outcomes Pauline is convicted of the bank robbery but serves less than two years before commutation. Jenny receives a minimum sentence for earlier bombings and later work release, yet feels marked by the system’s surprise at her good behavior. Punishment Beyond Court Their different treatment confirms that class and race shape the lived meaning of legal punishment.

After the arrest

After the first hearings

During Pauline’s second bail motion

During Jenny’s pretrial detention

After the trials