The Trial of the Tormented Rowland Edwards

Abstract

"The law should take its course". With this pronouncement, Lieutenant-General Sir William Jervois, Governor of New Zealand, sealed the fate of Rowland Herbert Edwards. The Governor's words conveyed his confirmation of the death sentence that had been imposed upon Edwards for the murder of his wife, Mary, following his trial in the Supreme Court at Napier.  This article explores the trial of Rowland Edwards and the questions that persist about the quality of the trial that resulted in Edwards' execution in circumstances where a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity was reasonably available.