United States v. Berrigan

NORTHROP, District Judge.

The defendants before this court are charged in three counts that they did willfully

1. injure property of the United States;

2. mutilate records filed in a public office of the United States; and

3. hinder the administration of the Military Selective Service Act.

Defendants wish to proffer an opening statement to the jury as to what they would present for their defense. Specifically, they contend that, by virtue of what they have read, heard, and seen, the war in Vietnam is immoral and illegal; and that the United States, in carrying on the war in Vietnam, is violating…