In August 1968, a group of activists including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, John Froines, and Bobby Seale gather to plan a demonstration at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. However, five months later, they find themselves arrested on charges of "crossing state lines" to incite a riot. The prosecution is led by John N. Mitchell, who appoints prosecutors Tom Foran and Richard Schultz to handle the case, while all defendants except Seale have legal representation from William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass.
The trial is overseen by Judge Julius Hoffman, who exhibits clear bias towards the prosecution, notably insisting that he and Abbie Hoffman are not related. Due to illness, Seale's attorney, Charles Garry, cannot attend, prompting Judge Hoffman to compel Kunstler to represent Seale, a move both Kunstler and Seale vehemently oppose. Throughout the proceedings, Seale receives support from Fred Hampton, a fact that Judge Hoffman misinterprets as legal counsel. Meanwhile, Abbie’s blatant disdain for the court contributes to growing tensions, leading to Judge Hoffman dismissing two jurors suspected of sympathizing with the defendants, claiming threats from the Black Panther Party as the reason.
As the trial unfolds, police and FBI testimonies spotlight growing hostilities. When Hayden spots two officers following Davis during the convention, he attempts to deflate their tire but is caught and arrested. This act spurs Abbie and the others to protest at the police station, but they are met with a police blockade, resulting in chaotic clashes between the protestors and law enforcement.
Tragedy strikes when the defendants learn that Fred Hampton was killed in a police raid, a catalyst that intensifies the situation in court. In response to Seale's vocal defense of his rights, Judge Hoffman has him forcibly removed, beaten, and returned to the courtroom in a degrading condition, gagged and chained. Such actions lead to objections from both the defense and the prosecution, ultimately compelling Judge Hoffman to declare a mistrial for Seale’s case.
The defense brings forward Ramsey Clark, the Attorney General during the tumultuous events, to assert that he had avoided launching prosecutions due to evidence that the Chicago Police Department instigated the riots. However, Judge Hoffman denies Clark the opportunity to testify before the jury, dismissing the relevance of his claims. The atmosphere in the courtroom becomes increasingly volatile, culminating in Dellinger’s outburst that results in his arrest after he strikes a bailiff.
Kunstler subsequently reveals a tape that implicates Hayden, preparing him for cross-examination. During the chaotic night of the riots, Hayden notices Davis trying to calm officers who were aggressively handling a protester climbing a flagpole. When Davis is assaulted by police, an inflamed Hayden asserts, > “If blood is going to flow, then let it flow all over the city!” This moment leads to violent repercussions, as the defendants suffer brutal beatings at the hands of the police.
Amidst the courtroom drama, Abbie discerns that Hayden’s words may be exploited during the trial, prompting Hayden to request Abbie to take the stand in his place. Abbie agrees, recognizing the weight of the situation.
As the trial concludes, Judge Hoffman surprisingly grants Hayden the opportunity to speak, remarking on his apparent remorse. However, contrary to Hoffman's expectations, Hayden seizes this moment to blast the ongoing Vietnam War by recounting the 4,752 soldiers that have fallen since the beginning of the trial. His emotional plea resonates deeply with the courtroom, prompting many present to rise in applause, including Schultz, who stands in an act of respect for the sacrifices made. This powerful moment encapsulates the emotional and ethical stakes at play throughout the trial, leaving a significant mark on all who witness it.
