The case of Oscar Slater

"The Case of Oscar Slater" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a thought-provoking non-fiction story that analyzes a questionable murder conviction from the early 1900s. The story looks at the trial of Oscar Slater, an immigrant found guilty in 1909 of killing Miss Marion Gilchrist. Doyle uses the book to suggest problems in the investigation and to ask for a fairer look at the case. The story begins with Miss Gilchrist's murder in her apartment. Slater became the main suspect, partially based on witness descriptions and the fact that a brooch was missing. Doyle questions Slater’s guilt, pointing out issues with how witnesses identified him, not finding strong proof against him, and possible biases against Slater because he wasn't from the country. Doyle looks closely at the trial and evidence that hints others might have been involved, pushing readers to doubt the guilty verdict and to want justice for Slater.