The 1849 murder of Dr. George Parkman in Boston stands as one of the most - if not the most - sensational trials of the 19th century.

This case has it all: a grisly murder, a dismembered corpse, a wealthy victim, a respected suspect, a questionable lead witness for the prosecution and unusual court proceedings.

Nearly 60,000 spectators were ushered through the Boston courtroom in 10-minute intervals. An all-out media blitz ensued, with journalists traveling from Europe to Boston to cover the trial. Ultimately, the case spawned books, documentaries and even an iPhone app.

The forensics of the case - one of the first trials to allow scientific evidence as testimony, and the first to allow dental evidence - will be explored along with a brief history of the "Spunkers" club, a secret group of body snatchers at the Harvard Medical School.

We will examine the lawyers, judges, the problems with the case and its oddities. 

Among the many fascinating elements to this story are: first, the murder of Harvard men involved in the case; and second, the rapidly changing social climate during which the trial takes place.

The trial is also legally historic. This case established the legal standard of "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" - a requirement that has since been adopted by just about every state in the nation. And it all started in Boston - with this case. 

The Hon. Dennis J. Curran (Ret.) was an associate justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. Prior to serving on the Superior Court, he was fist appointed to serve as an associate justice of the District Court in 2002 and the Boston Municipal Court the following year. He received a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974. Curran then completed a J.D. at the University of Virginia Law School in 1977. Curran was born and raised in Boston, where he graduated from Boston Latin School.