The legacy of Cincinnati bootlegger George Remus

WLWT’s Lindsay Stone shared the story of George Remus, a German–born American lawyer considered one of the most infamous bootleggers during the early days of Prohibition. 

Remus has been largely forgotten, but his story remains of interest in law schools because of his use of temporary insanity during his trial for the brutal murder of his second wife, Imogene.

Stone spoke with Christopher Bryant, a professor in University of Cincinnati College of Law, who is an expert in constitutional law about Remus’s story. 

The sale and consumption of alcohol was banned during Prohibition,  but there was one loophole. The exception was for medicinal alcohol allowing Remus to build an empire stained by liquor, lawlessness and lies. 

“Remus was perfectly positioned to exploit this because he was a pharmacist who became a lawyer,” Bryant told WLWT for a segment.

He grew wealthy and powerful before the law caught up with him landing him in prison.  While behind bars, his wife dismantled much of his empire and an enraged Remus retaliated, shooting her publicly in Cincinnati’s Eden Park.

His successful temporary insanity defense during his murder trial secured Remus place in legal history.

“Remus wasn’t on trial; prohibition was,” explained Bryant.

View the WLWT segment with Professor Bryant online.

Featured top image of couple dressed in Prohibition-era clothing from Istock.