The Trial of the Chicago 7
Quick Summary
"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
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Sacha Baron Cohen>The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), a film about a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Also in 2020 he brought Borat out of retirement for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which notably featured Rudy…
Read More>The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), a film about a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Also in 2020 he brought Borat out of retirement for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which notably featured Rudy…
Read More
Michael KeatonLater work: Dopesick and Beetlejuice BeetlejuiceKeaton’s credits from 2020 included The Trial of the Chicago 7, Aaron Sorkin’s drama about a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Read MoreKeaton’s credits from 2020 included The Trial of the Chicago 7, Aaron Sorkin’s drama about a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Read More
Eddie RedmayneThe Danish Girl, Fantastic Beasts, and The Day of the JackalIn The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) Redmayne portrayed Tom Hayden, who was among a group of political activists tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Redmayne later earned accolades—including an Olivier Award for best actor in a musical—for his performance…
Read MoreIn The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) Redmayne portrayed Tom Hayden, who was among a group of political activists tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Redmayne later earned accolades—including an Olivier Award for best actor in a musical—for his performance…
Read More
Mark RylanceFilm and TV credits…defense attorney William Kunstler in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), a drama about a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. His later film credits include Don’t Look Up (2021), in which he played an eccentric billionaire; the…
Read More…defense attorney William Kunstler in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), a drama about a group of political activists who were tried for their antiwar activities during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. His later film credits include Don’t Look Up (2021), in which he played an eccentric billionaire; the…
Read More
Jeremy Strong… Jerry Rubin in Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). Strong is notable for his immersive style of acting, in which he throws himself into roles with abandon.
Read More… Jerry Rubin in Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020). Strong is notable for his immersive style of acting, in which he throws himself into roles with abandon.
Read More

