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The Trial of the Chicago 7

film by Sorkin [2020]

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"The Trial of the Chicago 7" is a 2020 film directed by Aaron Sorkin that dramatizes the true story of the Chicago Seven. This group of political activists was arrested for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film depicts their trial, which began in 1969, on charges of conspiracy and inciting riot.

The trial itself was marked by controversy, with Judge Julius Hoffman often showing hostility towards the defendants, who included prominent figures like Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, and Black Panther Chairman Bobby Seale. Despite the judge's demeanor, a jury acquitted the seven remaining defendants of conspiracy charges. However, five were found guilty of crossing state lines with the intent to incite a riot. These convictions were later overturned on appeal, with the court citing the judge's antagonistic attitude.1

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