The St. Patrick's Four Trial Presses On

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The St. Patrick's Four Trial Presses On

The first federal conspiracy trial of civilian war resisters nears a close today, and twelve jurors --eight women and four men-- will be asked to determine the new landscape of dissent and democracy.

"The US government has charged the defendants with crimes based on a rarely used statute," said Bill Quigley, acting legal advisor to the defendants. "The government has taken what would have been considered a State level misdemeanor offense that would result in 6 months local jail time and literally crafted federal law to fit, that, if convicted, will now result in 6 years incarceration in Federal prison. The effect this will have on the public's right to dissent, a cornerstone of our democracy, is absolutely chilling."

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