Question

The text below was written in 1918: "I listened to all that was said in this court in support and justification of this prosecution, but my mind remains unchanged. I look upon the Espionage Law as a despotic enactment in flagrant conflict with democratic principles and with the spirit of free institutions… Your Honor, I have stated in this court that I am opposed to the social system in which we live; that I believe in a fundamental change—but if possible by peaceable and orderly means…" Why does Eugene Debs reject the prosecution's arguments in support of the Espionage Act?

Answer 1

The correct answer is B) he believes that the Espionage Act is contradictory to democratic principles and freedom.

Eugene Debs rejected the prosecution's arguments in support of the Espionage Act because he believed that the Espionage Act is contradictory to democratic principles and freedom.

We are talking about the Supreme Court case Debs v. the United States that was decided on March 10, 1919.

Civil Rights leader Eugen Debs had been indicted because he delivered a speech that invited American citizens to block the military recruitment for World War 1. He was accused of violating the Espionage Act of 1917. He appealed he had the right to express his feelings based on the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Supreme Court confirmed the accusation.

The other options of the question were A) he believes that his actions were justified based on his kinship with all living beings. C) he stands in opposition to the current political system. D) he denies being in violation of the Espionage Act.