How Long Did the Chicago 7 Actually Spend Behind Bars? Let's Get Down to Brass Tacks
So, you’ve seen the movie, right? The Chicago 7 – a bunch of anti-war activists who decided to spice up the Democratic National Convention with a little bit of, shall we say, enthusiasm. And then there was the whole trial thing. But here’s the burning question: how long did these guys actually spend in the slammer?
A Tale of Two Trials
Let's break it down. There were essentially two trials going on: the main event – the conspiracy to incite riots trial – and then the side show – the contempt of court charges slapped on by the judge.
- The Main Event: The seven original defendants (plus Bobby Seale, who got tossed out early) were all found guilty of crossing state lines to incite riots. Sounds serious, right? They were each handed a hefty five-year sentence. But wait for it... the convictions were overturned on appeal! So, no jail time for the main crime.
- The Side Show: This is where things get a bit more complicated. The judge, who was clearly having a fantastic time, found the defendants and their lawyers guilty of contempt of court. Sentences ranged from a few months to over four years. Some of these convictions were upheld, others overturned.
The Short Answer: It Depends
So, to sum it up, no one from the Chicago 7 served the full five-year sentence for the main crime. As for the contempt charges, it was a mixed bag. Some did time, some didn’t.
But here’s the kicker: Even though they didn’t serve long (or in some cases, any) time, the trial and its aftermath had a massive impact on the anti-war movement and the legal system. So, while they might not have spent years behind bars, their story is still one for the ages.
How To... Chicago 7 Edition
- How to avoid being found in contempt of court: Probably best to keep your cool in front of the judge, no matter how much you want to roll your eyes.
- How to appeal a conviction: Get yourself a good lawyer. Someone who knows their way around a courtroom and isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers.
- How to become an anti-war activist: Believe in a cause, be passionate, and be prepared to face challenges.
- How to watch a good courtroom drama: Check out "The Trial of the Chicago 7" on Netflix. It's a pretty accurate (and entertaining) portrayal of the events.
- How to avoid inciting riots: Maybe stick to peaceful protests? Just a thought.
