Frequently asked questions
Who were the Chicago Seven?
Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, John Froines and Lee Weiner. They were indicted in March 1969, together with Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale, over the protests at the August 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Why was it first called the Chicago Eight?
Bobby Seale was originally the eighth defendant. After Judge Julius Hoffman refused to delay the trial for Seale's hospitalized lawyer or let him represent himself, Seale protested and was bound and gagged in court. On 5 November 1969 the judge declared a mistrial in Seale's case and sentenced him for contempt, leaving seven defendants.
What were they charged with?
Conspiracy, and crossing state lines with intent to incite a riot, under the anti-riot provisions added to federal law by the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Froines and Weiner were also charged with teaching the use of incendiary devices.
What was the verdict?
On 18 February 1970 the jury acquitted all seven of conspiracy. Hoffman, Rubin, Hayden, Davis and Dellinger were convicted of crossing state lines with intent to incite a riot; Froines and Weiner were acquitted of all charges.
What happened on appeal?
In November 1972 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reversed the riot convictions, pointing to the judge's conduct and errors in jury selection. The government chose not to retry the case. The many contempt sentences were also reversed in 1972; at a 1973 retrial before a different judge some contempt findings were upheld, but no further sentences were imposed.
Who was the judge?
Julius J. Hoffman, a federal district judge in Chicago appointed by President Eisenhower in 1953. He was not related to defendant Abbie Hoffman, a fact the defendants frequently joked about in court.
Who were the defense lawyers?
William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass. Both were themselves sentenced for contempt by Judge Hoffman at the end of the trial.
Is the 2020 film 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' accurate?
Aaron Sorkin's film follows the broad outline of the trial but compresses, rearranges and invents some scenes and dialogue for drama. Our articles point out several differences; for the documentary record, see the sources on the Disclaimer & Sources page.
Is this an official site?
No. thechicago7.com is an independent educational site and is not affiliated with the defendants or their families, any court, or the makers of the film.
How can I report a mistake?
Please use the contact page. We review corrections and update pages when needed.
More detail is available in our articles.