ABSTRACT
Amelia Opie, whose novels, poetry, and didactic works were celebrated throughout the late eighteenth- and early nineteenth centuries, was prolific courtroom observer. This chapter explores Opie’s eyewitness accounts of trials and legal spectacles to further our understanding of the courtroom audience. As demonstrated by her detailed reflections on her experiences, expert commentary on legal emotions, and depictions of the courtroom in fiction, Opie was a ‘connoisseur’ of legal emotions. Using Opie as a case study, this chapter explores the role of women as courtroom spectators and consumers of legal drama, who exhibited significant legal acumen and a refined appreciation for the emotions on display in the courtroom.
