The Chicago 8

01

The Trial & Movie

Learn about the actual events that inspired the film

In 1969, eight activists – Black Panther Chairman Bobby Seale, Yippies Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, anti-war activists Rennie Davis, Dave Dellinger, Tom Hayden, John Froines and Lee Weiner – were charged with
conspiracy and crossing state lines to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Early on, the Trial’s elderly white judge created a horrific standoff – he ordered Bobby Seale, a Black man, bound and gagged for demanding to defend himself. The courtroom erupted into chaos. The Judge dropped
Bobby Seale’s case from the others.

Judy was present in that courtroom and worked for the defense. On February 18, 1970, the jury acquitted all defendants of conspiracy; later all remaining convictions were thrown out. The Chicago 8 became famous as the Chicago 7.