A City Possessed

Discover the compelling narrative of A City Possessed, a pivotal work by Lynley Hood that explores one of New Zealand's most significant legal controversies. This paperback edition presents a 620-page in-depth analysis of child sexual abuse allegations that rocked the Christchurch Civic Crčche in the 1990s. Delve into Hood's meticulous investigation where she dissects the intricate dynamics of gender politics, the judicial system, and media influence surrounding the Peter Ellis case. Originally published in 2001, this book has won accolades, including the prestigious Montana Medal for Non-Fiction, making it essential reading for those interested in criminal law, social justice, and historical case studies. As discussions around wrongful convictions gain momentum, A City Possessed offers crucial insights into the failures of our justice system and the public's perception of guilt. With the case returning to the spotlight during Ellis's final appeal, now is the perfect time to engage with this critically acclaimed narrative. Uncover the truths and implications behind one of New Zealand's most contested trials with this essential addition to your reading list.

Author: Lynley Hood Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 130 x 235 mm
Pages: 620
Publication Date: 20-09-2019

Originally published in 2001, A City Possessed is the harrowing account of one of New Zealand’s most high-profile criminal cases - a story of child sexual abuse allegations, gender politics and the law. In detailing the events of the 1990s that led up to and surrounded the allegations made against several staff of the Christchurch Civic Crčche, author Lynley Hood shows how and why such a case could happen. A City Possessed won the Montana Medal for Non-Fiction at the 2002 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Her penetrating analysis of the social and legal processes by which the conviction of Peter Ellis was obtained, and repeatedly upheld, raises major issues for our justice system and the way we see ourselves. Peter Ellis served seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for abusing seven children at the Christchurch Civic Crčche. He has always maintained his innocence, and has gained widespread support for what many see as a miscarriage of justice. This paperback edition comes at a time when Peter Ellis and the Christchurch Civic Crčche case have returned to public attention. In July 2019, a terminally ill Ellis was granted a final appeal to the Supreme Court, scheduled for November 2019.