Ideas

Justice and the Chicago Eight

Courtroom decorum broke down sensationally last month in the trial of the Chicago Eight. Bobby G. Seale, one of those charged with conspiracy to incite a riot during last year’s Democratic National Convention, refused to sit quietly, and his repeated outbursts led Judge Julius J. Hoffman to have the Black Panther leader bound and gagged. Seale was subsequently found in contempt of court and sentenced to four years in prison.

Such a courtroom situation is hardly conducive to the achievement of justice. By deliberately provoking authorities, the defendants undoubtedly hope to gain more visibility for their revolutionary ideology. What they accomplish is perhaps to make more understandable the amount of force exercised by the Chicago police at the 1968 convention.

Such chaotic courtroom conditions demand a tough-skinned judge with special discernment. Judge Hoffman might have saved himself some grief had he recessed the trial earlier to allow Seale to bring in the attorney he wanted. It seemed a bit naïve of the judge to request assurances from the defendants that they not “vilify” him on television.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

'Co-belligerent' Reconciliation

Editorial

The Role of Lebanese Christians

Editorial

Capitalism in the Soviet Union

Editorial

The Book for All Seasons

Editorial

Speeding Up Desegregation

Editorial

Man's Judgement

Belfast Imbroglio

Ministry, Computer Style

The Complete NEB

Denominational Regrouping

Editorial

Foundations and Tax Reform

Fruitful Shakedown for 'Evangel' Craft

Prayer Day for Captives

Ouster in Missouri

New York Council: Problems in the Immediate Family

John Wesley College: Disengaging the Nazarenes

Indonesian Phenomenon

Inaguration Ceremonies: Dividends for Dollars

Latin, Litter, Limitations

ACCC: No Longer Doing Its Founder’s Will

News Briefs from November 21, 1969

Scientology: Religion or Racket?: Second of Two Parts

The Quaker Movement West

What’s the Mutter with Astrology?

Religious Cartoons: Needling Inconsistencies

Roman Synod: Speaking with Candor to the Pope

Book Briefs: November 21, 1969

Editorial

God, Grace, and Gratitude

Testing for Maturity

That Searching Look

Eutychus and His Kin: November 21, 1969

Who Needs History?

Editor's Note from November 21, 1969

’Tis the Season to Be Gluttonous

The Human Experience of Death

The Nonsense of Liberal Catholics

Poverty: The Psychological Effects

The Heritage of Plymouth

Editorial

The President’s Viet Nam Policy

Editorial

A Philosophy of Despair

Editorial

Charisma in Context

Editorial

'Death' In a Beatle's Life

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