In 1968, the United States of America was involved in a violent war that some of the general public greatly disapproved of. Tension between political parties was increasing, which did not help the war efforts. Anti-war sentiment was gaining popularity among the younger generation; they wanted to make their voices heard. Protests and riots were occurring with increasing frequency and growing in size across the United States. This was the case for eight men from Chicago who demonstrated peacefully. The case that followed their arrest became known as the "Chicago Seven Trials." Originally, it was the Chicago Eight until one member, Bobby Seale, was bound and gagged in court by Judge Julius Hoffman (Web Rubin). This reflects one of many mistreatments of members of the Chicago Seven throughout the affair. The case became a high-profile spectacle across the country. In retrospect, the case is seen as a great injustice and an example of abusive power in the Chicago justice system at the time. The late sixties were a time of turmoil in the United States. It was a transitional period between the psychedelic sixties and the revolutionary seventies. America's youth were increasingly aware of war policies, conscription, and other general abuses of government power. With the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago in 1968, political tensions were high throughout the city. Numerous demonstrations took place during the period surrounding the convention to protest President Lyndon B. Johnson's policies regarding the Vietnam War. Most notably, the group consisting of Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dillinger, John Froines, Lee Weiner and Bobby Seale...... middle of paper ...... the sting was at its paroxysm. In the cases of Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dillinger, John Froines, Lee Weiner and Bobby Seale, there was a lot of injustice, but ultimately justice was served because all the accusations were been abandoned (Davis web). Although the men were protesting a government war, they were not seeking to incite a riot. The trial was highly publicized due to the ridicule of the sentence and the defendants' reaction to the trial itself. The first trial is significant because it clearly demonstrates the government's treatment of the rising counterculture of the late sixties and seventies. Ultimately, the trial serves as an indicator of how corrupt the justice system can be. After the arduous trial process, the seven men emerged from the ordeal with minor offenses and minimal prison time..