The Claus von Bulow Case: A High Society Trial and the Lawyers Who Defined It

The Claus von Bulow case remains one of the most captivating and sensational legal dramas of the 20th century. Televised for the first time in American history, the attempted murder trial of Claus von Bulow became an international media spectacle that unfolded over five years. Fueled by immense wealth, allegations of adultery, and the shocking accusation of attempted murder within elite social circles, the case gripped the public imagination. At the heart of this saga was the question of Claus von Bulow’s guilt or innocence, a question fiercely debated by the public and, crucially, by his legal representatives.

Sunny von Bulow: Heiress and Socialite

Martha “Sunny” Sharp Crawford, born in 1932 into immense fortune as the daughter of George W. Crawford, a gas industry magnate, lived a life of privilege from a young age. Educated at prestigious schools and featured in Vogue’s best-dressed list, Sunny embodied high society glamour. Her first marriage was to Prince Alfred von Auersperg in 1958, producing two children, Ala and Alexander. This marriage dissolved in 1965 amidst scandal, leaving Sunny even wealthier. In 1966, she married Claus von Bulow, a Danish financier with ties to J. Paul Getty Sr. Their union cemented their status as a dazzling power couple, further amplifying the shockwaves when their seemingly perfect world began to crumble.

The Marriage to Claus von Bulow and the Shadow of Suspicion

Claus von Bulow, with his European sophistication and financial acumen, appeared to be the ideal partner for Sunny. They had a daughter, Cosima, and lived a life of luxury and social prominence. However, beneath the surface, tensions brewed. In December 1980, while at their Newport, Rhode Island mansion for Christmas, Sunny was found unconscious. Initially revived, she slipped into a persistent coma diagnosed as a result of hypoglycemia. This incident set in motion a chain of events that would lead to Claus von Bulow facing charges of attempted murder.

The First Trial: Accusations and Conviction

The prosecution’s case in the first trial, which commenced in 1982, painted Claus von Bulow as a calculating husband motivated by financial gain and a desire to be with his mistress. They alleged he attempted to murder Sunny with insulin injections to inherit a substantial portion of her fortune and clear the path to marry Alexandra Motlke Isles. Key testimony came from Sunny’s maid, Maria Schrallhammer, who claimed suspicious behavior from Claus and the discovery of a needle and insulin. The defense countered that Sunny’s coma was self-induced, resulting from a dangerous combination of drugs and excessive sweets, highlighting her history of health issues and substance use. Despite the defense arguments, Claus von Bulow was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Alan Dershowitz and the Appeal: A Lawyer’s Role in Reversal

Following the conviction, Claus von Bulow enlisted the legal expertise of Alan Dershowitz, a renowned Harvard law professor. This marked a turning point in the case. Dershowitz and his legal team meticulously dissected the trial proceedings and identified critical errors. Crucially, they argued that key evidence, including the incriminating needle, had been obtained without a proper search warrant and should have been inadmissible. The Court of Appeals agreed, overturning the conviction and granting von Bulow a retrial. Dershowitz’s strategic legal arguments and focus on procedural irregularities were instrumental in securing this reversal, showcasing the profound impact a skilled Claus Von Bulow Lawyer could have on the outcome of such a complex case. Furthermore, the defense team gained access to private investigator notes that cast doubt on the credibility of Maria Schrallhammer, weakening a crucial pillar of the prosecution’s initial case.

The Second Trial: New Evidence and Acquittal

The second trial in 1985 presented a dramatically different picture. The defense, armed with new expert testimony, systematically dismantled the prosecution’s insulin injection theory. Nine experts in endocrinology and forensic science testified that there was no evidence of exogenous insulin in Sunny’s system or on the needle. Instead, they pointed to a cocktail of barbiturates, alcohol, beta-blockers, hypothermia, and aspirin as the likely cause of her coma, noting a prior incident where Sunny had ingested a near-lethal dose of aspirin. This expert-driven defense, meticulously crafted by Claus von Bulow’s legal team, swayed the jury. Claus von Bulow was acquitted on all charges.

Aftermath and Lasting Legacy

Despite the acquittal, the legal battles continued. Sunny’s children from her first marriage initiated a civil lawsuit against Claus von Bulow. This case was settled out of court in 1987, with von Bulow agreeing to divorce Sunny, relinquish claims to her fortune, and leave the United States. Sunny remained in a coma until her death in 2008, never regaining consciousness to witness the legal turmoil that defined the latter part of her life. Claus von Bulow relocated to London, where he became a fixture in society.

The Claus von Bulow case remains a landmark legal event, not only for its sensational nature but also for its impact on the public’s perception of justice and the role of media in high-profile trials. The case highlighted the complexities of circumstantial evidence, the importance of procedural law, and the critical role of effective legal counsel. Alan Dershowitz, as Claus von Bulow’s lawyer, became a central figure in this drama, demonstrating the power of legal strategy and advocacy in the face of public scrutiny and seemingly insurmountable odds. The case continues to be studied in legal circles and remains a fascinating, if tragic, chapter in the annals of American legal history.

Further Readings:

Briton, Tracy. “Von Blow’s Victory.” The National Law Journal (June 24, 1985): 24ff.
Dershowitz, Alan M. Reversal Of Fortune. New York: Random House, 1986.
Frey, Darcy. “Boomerang.” American Lawyer (November 1986): 36ff.
Lapayowker, Stewart. “Evidence.” Temple Law Review, (Winter 1988): 1561-1586.
Wright, William. The Von Billow Affair. New York: Delacorte Press, 1983.

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