Perry Mason Moments

First posted on 06-24-2008

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan announced today a program that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Missouri’s justice system through the eyes of a prosecuting attorney. The program will be held at the Missouri State Archives, a division of the Secretary of State’s office on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 7pm. The program will feature author Morley Swingle, speaking about his book, Scoundrels to the Hoosegow: Perry Mason Moments and Entertaining Cases from the Files of a Prosecuting Attorney.

Swingle has been the prosecuting attorney in Cape Girardeau County for more than 20 years and has prosecuted thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to capital murder cases. Some of his cases have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dateline, Arrest & Trial and Forensic Files.

In Scoundrels to the Hoosegow, Swingle shares over 30 true stories from his legal career. Swingle combines actual crimes, legal analysis and humor to recreate his most entertaining stories of villains, heroes and ordinary people, from the crime scene to the courtroom. Scoundrels to the Hoosegow describes the life of a prosecuting attorney and the Perry Mason moments that happen when unforeseen events cause a trial to shift direction dramatically.

The Missouri State Archives is the official repository for state documents of permanent historic value, and is located at 600 West Main Street in Jefferson City. All programs at the Archives are free of charge and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on this and other programming at the Archives, contact Emily Luker, (573) 526-5296 or .