I would like to indicate my firm
support for the contempt-of-court
sentence handed down by Judge
Hoffman in the "Chicago Conspiracy
Trial." The defendant being
tried in this case is more the entire
judicial process than the individual
members of the alleged conspiracy.
This atmosphere was created by the
conspiracy defendants themselves,
in an attempt to gain publicity for
their cause.
The defendants have had their
day in court. In other nations, or in
other times, these gentlemen would
have been physically suppressed
without any consideration of a fair
trial. The cause that they represent
is one of intense concern in this
nation and arouses strong sentiment
from either viewpoint. However,
there is no place for such extreme
views in the courtroom . . . reason
must prevail. The defense, unfortunately,
departed from reason and
made every attempt to arouse
public opinion against the integrity
of the court.
Such a mockery of justice is
inexcusable. Our legal system is
dedicated to the rights of the
individual and the protection of our
minorities . . . our legal system is
founded on just and wise traditions,
yet dynamic when change is necessary
. . . our legal system is the
backbone of our orderly society.
These defendants were not unaware
that their conduct was in contempt.
Their actions cannot be condoned
so that others might be encouraged
to similar attempts to mock justice.
It must be made clear to those
individuals who would use such
methods to disrupt our system of
laws and justice that their actions
will not be tolerated.
