Case library · Contempt of Government
Leaflets From a Window
Abrams v. United States (1919)
Charge: Conspiracy to publish disloyal language, incite resistance to the war, and urge cutting arms production (Espionage Act)Court: Supreme Court of the United StatesState: New YorkDocket: Contempt of Government
The facts
During a world war, five immigrants who called themselves anarchists printed about five thousand leaflets in two languages. The leaflets attacked the president as a hypocrite for sending troops into their homeland, called on factory workers not to make weapons, and urged a general strike. Some were thrown from a window. The five were charged with conspiring to incite resistance to the war and to cut arms production. They said they opposed the intervention in their homeland, not the war with the enemy.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Abrams v. United States, 250 U.S. 616 (1919)
Read more at supreme.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.