Courtroom sketch of Jack Ruby pre-trial hearing

Object number2004.010.0162

Date02/01/1964 - 03/14/1964

ClassificationsArt

ObjectCourtroom sketch

Credit LineJudge Joe B. Brown, Jr. Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumPaper

Dimensions10 1/2 x 14 in. (26.7 x 35.6 cm)

Terms

Collections

DescriptionCourtroom pencil sketch by an unknown artist. The sketch shows the courtroom during the pre-trial hearing for Jack Ruby in February 1964. The sketch shows a series of figures seated at the attorney's table in the courtroom. At the far right is Jack Ruby surrounded by his defense attorneys, and Judge Joe B. Brown is visible in the background seated at the judge's bench. On the wall behind him hangs a large American flag and a large Texas flag. An unknown man is seated in the witness stand on the left edge of the image. Cameras were barred from the courtroom during the trial, but the judge did permit reporters and courtroom artists to stay.

Curatorial Commentary

This sketch by an unknown artist depicts Judge Joe B. Brown's Criminal District Court No. 3 courtroom, which was only used during pre-trial hearings. Beginning with jury selection on February 17, 1964, until the verdict was announced on March 14, 1964, the Jack Ruby trial was held in the larger courtroom of Judge J. Frank Wilson on the second floor of the Dallas County Criminal Courts Building. This unusual move to another judge's courtroom was made to accommodate additional members of the press. More than 300 journalists had requested press credentials to cover the Ruby trial, yet Judge Brown's courtroom could only accommodate 48 seats reserved for reporters. In the larger Wilson courtroom, a minimum of 150 journalists could have seats. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator