A Discussion of the Trial of the Chicago Seven, Led by Beth Am Member Michael Asimov

Michal Asimov shares his impressions of the film:

For some of us, the 1960’s are a vivid memory. We can’t forget the struggle against the Vietnam War, the revolutionary fervor, the presidency of Richard Nixon, the Black Panthers or the sexual revolution.

The 1969 trial of the Chicago Seven was a pivotal moment in the American culture wars. Anti-establishment political protesters descended on Chicago to demonstrate against the nomination of Hubert Humphrey and against the war. The demonstrations turned into armed and bloody combat with the Chicago police. In the hands of an incompetent and biased federal judge, the intensely political trial lasted for five months and became a complete fiasco. The judge, three of the defendants and one of the defense counsel were Jewish.

The Trial of the Chicago Seven is a new film written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. It brilliantly dramatizes these critical moments in American history as well as our own.

Watch the film trailer on YouTube.

Please watch the film The Trial of the Chicago Seven on Netflix prior to the February 27 discussion. *** For Zoom access to the discussion, please login and complete the registration form below.***

Michael Asimow is a Beth Am member who has presented seven earlier talks about movies and television shows that involve both legal and Jewish themes. Michael is Dean’s Executive Professor at Santa Clara Law School. He’s also Professor of Law Emeritus at UCLA School of Law and served as a visiting professor at Stanford Law School. He teaches contract law, administrative law and income tax, as well as a seminar on law and popular culture. Michael is a co-author of Law and Popular Culture: A Course Book (now in its third edition), Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies (about to go into its third edition); and Lawyers in Your Living Room! Law on Television as well as numerous published articles about law and pop culture.