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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
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)
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)