U.S. v. Lyon, U.S. v. Cooper, and U.S. v. Callender: The Sedition Act Trials | Federal Judicial Center

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U.S. v. Lyon, U.S. v. Cooper, and U.S. v. Callender: The Sedition Act Trials

The rise of political parties and the threat of war raise questions about the rights of free speech and a free press.

Famous Federal Trials

Learn about the case
Teaching Resources

by Bruce A. Ragsdale, Director, Federal Judicial History Office, Federal Judicial Center

Learn about the case — historical background and documents

View/Download PDF (825.5 KB)

Classroom Materials and Activities

Power Point Lecture (PowerPoint, 2.29 MB)

Student Handout (PDF, 165.48 KB)

Congressional Debate on the Sedition Bill — A Primary Source Activity (PDF, 356.79 KB)

The Combined Trial of Lyon, Cooper, and Callender — A Simulation Activity (PDF, 1.57 MB)

The Sedition Act of 1798 and the Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917-1918 — A Comparative Activity (PDF, 716.19 KB)

The Sedition Act and Civil Liberties — A Document-Based Question (PDF, 152.83 KB)

Resources for Judges

The Sedition Act Trials — Suggestions for Judges (PDF, 91.32 KB)