DEVITT: 2 November 5 November 1970: TILTON & TURCHICK,
St. Paul
DEVITT: 17 November mistrial BENEKE, OLSON & SIMMONS,
St. Paul
DEVITT: 30 November 3 December 1970 BENEKE, OLSON & SIMMONS,
St. Paul
Judge
Edward Devitt's two trials proceeded as most draft trials
did. He disallowed any defenses, and any mention of the Vietnam
War
or other
moral or political issues. He stated that the defendants were
indicted on a breaking and entering charge, and that the issue
of the war or any
moral motivation was irrelevant and immaterial. In this respect,
he was following the letter of the law. Beneke, Tilton, Olson,
Simmons and Turchick,
then, could only take the witness stand and make personal statements.
Their trials were over in several days. Their appeals were as quickly
judged
and denied.
Devitt ruled with an iron hand. He had Federal Marshalls lining his courtroom.
He threw out any supporters who spoke out or refused to stand when he
entered the room. His was an intense, hate filled confrontation. If he
could have had the 8 executed, he would
have chosen that option. He stated,
"You gentlemen are worse than
the common criminal who attacks the taxpayers pocketbook.
You
strike at
the foundation of government, itself."
Trial 3 - Judge Phillip Neville.