Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 1971)
In Seattle 7 Conspiracy trial: Judge Boldt decides: 1. Bail denied 2. Mistrial declared Editor’s note: The Emerald, in the past, has referred to the defendants of the conspiracy trial in Tacoma as the “Seattle 8," as eight defendants were charged with conspiring to damage a federal courthouse last Feb. 17. But one of those defendants, Michael Justensen, has not been caught, and only seven were ever brought to trial. The trial now being over, and those seven presently facing con tempt citations, the group is now known as the "Seattle 7." By GIL JOHNSON College Press Service TACOMA—The fate of Seattle 7—and the bodies of five members of this group—appear to be sealed for at least a year. The seven, charged with violating the federal anti-riot act, are currently imprisoned in various jails from San Francisco to Seattle. Their trial will be postponed a year while they serve contempt of court sentences levied Dec. 10 by Judge George Boldt. Boldt declared the three week trial of the seven, which began last November, a mistrial on Dec. 10, following one of a long series of courtroom melees. He cited six of the seven in contempt of court for that outbreak and subsequently sentenced them to six months in jail. Sue Stern, who was ill that day, was not cited, but she earned six months herself for attempting to speak out in the courtroom thee days later when the sentences were finalized. Five of the others were issued another six month sentence for tearing up their contempt citations. Michael Lerner, the oldest of the group, did not participate in this action. Since then, the defendants and their attorneys have been attempting to get the judge to set bail, but without much luck. Boldt refused to set bail initially,maintaining the defendants were likely to leave the country. The Ninth Circuit Court of Ap peals in San Francisco later overturned Boldt’s decision, but Boldt has stood fast. U.S. District Attorney Stan Pitkin, the trial’s prosecutor, is presently challenging the appeals court decision. Even if Boldt decides to set bail, he has said publicly it will be no lower than $25,000. Boldt has termed the higher court’s ruling “equivocal” and “anamalous.” He said the court did not consider a video tape of courtroom disruptions when it ordered that bail be set. Seattle 7 attorney Jeff Steinborn, who has been handling the bail procedure, was unable to con fer with Boldtuntil Dec. 31, although he attempted to reach the judge by telephone at home Christmas eve. For that, Boldt chastised him: “Somehow or other, you learned my unlisted home phone number and called it. It was well after the Christmas ho liday had begun; yet you persisted in annoying me. It greatly disturbed my wife.” Later Steinborn told the press, “Judge Boldt is disturbed because we interrupted his holiday. But I’m more disturbed because seven bailable defen dants had to spend their Christmas in jail.” Steinborn also said he received the appeals co urt bail order last Wednesday, but Boldt said he didn’t get it until Saturday afternoon and could not have been expected to do anything before then. - The judge is still studying the matter. Seattle Seven defendants yawn, talk, slouch or moan during a portion of mistrial proceedings. Drawing from Seattle Sabot. Get Results by using EMERALD CLASSIFIEDS 8c per word the first day 6c per word each additional consecutive day Place ads in 301 Allen Hall 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily All ads must be paid in advance. Deadline: 2 p.m. one working day prior to publication. SALE Assorted skirts, tops, Fruit of the Loom parity dresses, jeans and pants - hose - several shades to Now choose from. Were 1.49 - $3°° Now $^19 Alvin Duskin knits - plus dresses, pants, pant outfits & Blouses y3 to y2 off Stage i BAC me.** Need A Place To Stay For Winter? Looking Ahead To Spring Term? THE COLLEGE INN OFFERS: * Excellent Food * Continental Breakfast for Late Risers * Private and Semi-private Rooms with Private Baths * Maid and Linen Service * Color TV and Billiard Lounges * Private Off-street Parking * Laundry Facilities Quality Food & Lodging for U of 0 and L.C.C. Men and Women Hie College Inn 1000 Patterson 343-9291
