What we are not taught (or at least, what I fail to remember being taught) is not only that there were more conspirators behind this plot that were hanged, but that the only woman in US history to be convicted and hanged by the US Federal Government was accused as one of those conspirators.
What our history books fail to teach us, Robert Redford portrays in his 2010 movie The Conspirator. Starring the dreamy James McAvoy (whose credits include the acclaimed Last King of Scotland and the recent box office hit X-Men: First Class) and Robin Wright (most known for her roles as Jenny in Forrest Gump and of course, Buttercup in The Princess Bride), The Conspirator follows attorney Frederick Aiken in his attempt to defend Mary Surratt.
The movie is not about her innocence or guilt, and makes it clear that Aiken himself wasn't sure. The movie is about justice and due process of law. We cannot fight to uphold the rights of the constitution if we do not honor it in the courtroom itself.
Amendment VI of The Constitution of the United States of America states:
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. Source/Reference
According to my boyfriend, who is by no means a constitutional lawyer, but demosntrates clear passion for the law and for history, "Over the years, this has been interpreted to mean that as the defense, you have a right to all the evidence and a right to know all the witnesses that the prosecution intends to call."
Such rights were denied Mary Surratt. As portrayed in the movie, her defense had no knowledge of the prosecutions' witnesses before they appeared in court and she was not tried by an impartial Jury, but tried by prejudiced military generals who later allegedly influenced by Secretary of War Stanton (the trial was a military tribunal). In addition, the prisoners were, IMHO, held under cruel and unusual punishment, presenting yet another violation of the Bill of Rights (though the BF explains that such a label as 'cruel and unusual' would have to be decided by a judge).
The Conspirator is a lesson in history that every student ought to learn. Our country would be in a much better place if there were more leaders with the conviction and belief in justice like Frederick Aiken (who interestingly enough went on to help start The Washington Post).
Movie Review
The movie itself moves rather slowly. You must be a true lover of history to appreciate it. It's a shame because I do think that the story is interesting and the message important. If teachers did ever show this movie in class, students would probably sleep or talk through it. It's not a movie that will arouse any interest in history that is not already there. James McAvoy and Robin Wright were, of course, brilliant, as to be expected. The movie also features many other big name stars, such as Kevin Kline, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel, Evan Rachel Wood, and Justin Long.
It's a well done movie overall; however, it doesn't really pack the punch that a lot of other movies do. Who is going to choose a historal drama over ... actually come to think of it there weren't many exciting releases back in April... but who is going to choose it over an action movie (like Source Code) or a romantic comedy? It doesn't appeal to the average movie goer. This saddens me because I do feel like it's an important story.
Other Thoughts
One part of this movie that particular struck home with me, although it was only very briefly touched upon, was the use of the media in influencing the public's assumption of Mary Surratt's guilt. Though there were no television shows to take clips out of context, as our media so much loves to do today, there were still newspapers and there were still sensational headlines. It is an important reminder for citizens today that the media must not convict those on trial. That is the responsibility of the jurors. "Innocent until proven guilty".
We can't blame the media for being biased and for writing what they believe. As much as I personally feel that the media should hold itself responsible for public opinion, and should attempt to strive as close to the objective truth as possible, humans by nature seem unable to do this. I do wish, however, that the general public as a whole would learn to read what they read with a grain of salt. Do not assume that someone is guilty simply because an anchor on CNN or on Fox news tells you so. Use your brain. Read multiple sources. Determine that the Truth lies somewhere in between and always think with an analytic mind.
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