2008 Woodie Awards
Mock trial begins session on freedom of speech
Kimberly Shuel
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: Features
Editor's Note: The following events are fictional and not based upon any real events.
Just how far does free speech go? This is the question the mock trial is attempting to answer. The trial began Tues., April 8, at 9:30 a.m.
The free speech incident ocurred at All American State University (AASU). Once FBI agent DiSalvo arrested two suspected terrorists more evidence was uncovered and the trial began.
The trial opened with the prosecution stating records of wiretaps on the defendants, O'Hare and Christianson's apartment. Some recorded conversations read, "Hey by the time they [FBI] get there, we'll be long gone."
The conversations, the prosecution argued, made clear the intent to set off a bomb. They also brought up the evidence found in the defendants' apartment which included bomb-making materials and a bomb-making book.
The charges stated were: Acts of terrorism (U.S. code 18), civil rights intimidation, violation of free speech zone, assault and carrying and possessing weapons. The defendants re-entered a plea of not guilty.
In the prosecution's opening statement, they told the court they wanted punishment to be no less than 10 years and no more than 15 years in prison. They believed the defendants were still young and could change their lives.
Evidence was brought before the court to prove that the protest was well calculated. Exhibit A was a flyer for the protest that included date, place and time for the event. This flyer had been passed around the campus of AASU.
Exhibits B and C were picket signs the prosecution told the court proved that the defendants' group, "Holy Land Avengers," was not a peaceful organization. One of the signs read "Repent all sinners."
The prosecution argued that O'Hare and Christianson carried weapons and bomb making books on campus. Exhibits D and E consisted of the firearms found in the defendants' apartment.
Next, the defense opened with what they believed the prosecution was really after. They stated that the prosecution was not taking care of constitutional values and limiting the freedom of the American people. The defense argued that all evidence was circumstantial, and that in fact, most of the evidence proved how peaceful "Holy Land Avengers" really are.
Just how far does free speech go? This is the question the mock trial is attempting to answer. The trial began Tues., April 8, at 9:30 a.m.
The free speech incident ocurred at All American State University (AASU). Once FBI agent DiSalvo arrested two suspected terrorists more evidence was uncovered and the trial began.
The trial opened with the prosecution stating records of wiretaps on the defendants, O'Hare and Christianson's apartment. Some recorded conversations read, "Hey by the time they [FBI] get there, we'll be long gone."
The conversations, the prosecution argued, made clear the intent to set off a bomb. They also brought up the evidence found in the defendants' apartment which included bomb-making materials and a bomb-making book.
The charges stated were: Acts of terrorism (U.S. code 18), civil rights intimidation, violation of free speech zone, assault and carrying and possessing weapons. The defendants re-entered a plea of not guilty.
In the prosecution's opening statement, they told the court they wanted punishment to be no less than 10 years and no more than 15 years in prison. They believed the defendants were still young and could change their lives.
Evidence was brought before the court to prove that the protest was well calculated. Exhibit A was a flyer for the protest that included date, place and time for the event. This flyer had been passed around the campus of AASU.
Exhibits B and C were picket signs the prosecution told the court proved that the defendants' group, "Holy Land Avengers," was not a peaceful organization. One of the signs read "Repent all sinners."
The prosecution argued that O'Hare and Christianson carried weapons and bomb making books on campus. Exhibits D and E consisted of the firearms found in the defendants' apartment.
Next, the defense opened with what they believed the prosecution was really after. They stated that the prosecution was not taking care of constitutional values and limiting the freedom of the American people. The defense argued that all evidence was circumstantial, and that in fact, most of the evidence proved how peaceful "Holy Land Avengers" really are.
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