UK - Magna Charta - Trial by Jury

This half-penny sized political token of Middlesex celebrates the series of trials by jury that occurred to defend accusations against a series of individuals accused of sedition and other crimes against the state. Erskine and Gibbs were prominent barristers [lawyers] who successfully defended the revolutionary men mentioned on the back of this token. Earlier, Erskine represented Thomas Paine in absentia but failed to convince the jury of his innoscents.
Obverse: Two barristers holding an scroll inscribed BILL OF RIGHTS the figure on the left has his right arm raised and pointing to a label above their heads inscribed: MAGNA CHARTA Legend: ERSKINE AND GIBBS AND TRIAL BY JURY
Reverse: An inscription in nine lines: T. HARDY LH. TOOKE.T. HOLCROFT. LA.BONNEY.J.JOYCE. S.KID.J.THELWALL. L RICHTER. L BAXTER. 1794
Edge: Engrailed.
Diesinker, Wyon; manufacturer, Peter Kempson, (1755-1824), buttonmaker, later token manufacturer, St. Mary's Row, Birmingham, later Little Charles Street. Kempson was actively involved in the production of tokens from 1791 until 1799, turning out more than 60 tons of "legitimate provincial coins" for various commissions. Kempson also freely muled dies in his posession, and produced a variety of tokens for sale to collectors.
This piece honours the defending barristers in the trials of Hardy. Tooke and others on a charge of sedition. Erskine defended his clients in the State trials of
1794 with an enthusiasm that seemed insensible to fatigue; nothing was omitted to elucidate the innocence of the accused, nothing overlooked by him that weakened the case presented by the crown. Many considered this trial the pinnacle of his professional skill in a long and honourable career. The course of
the trial was followed by the public with intense interest and not a little anxiety in the outcome and how it would affect the liberty of ordinary individuals.
The reverse records the names of the accused and the year of the trial.
MIDDLESEX - D&H # 1011 - AU