Chicago Seven Acquitted: Protest Speech Protected
The jury couldn't agree. After five months of trial, the Chicago Seven walked on conspiracy charges. But five of them got five years for crossing state lines with intent to riot. The judge, Julius Hoffman, had gagged and chained defendant Bobby Seale to his chair during the trial. He cited all seven defendants and both defense lawyers for 175 counts of contempt. The prosecution's case fell apart when their own undercover agents admitted they'd seen no conspiracy. The convictions were overturned on appeal. Hoffman's conduct was so extreme it became evidence of judicial misconduct. The government had wanted to make an example of protest leaders. They made martyrs instead.
February 18, 1970
56 years ago
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