However, Chambliss had adopted strict rules that would prevent qualified critics from challenging his predetermined selections to the federal court.

Denied the opportunity to formally participate, Sassower rose from her seat as Chambliss was adjourning the public meeting and requested permission to make a statement.  Whereupon Chambliss immediately ordered her arrested, charging her with "Disruption of Congress" for which she was imprisoned for six months.

This extraordinary sentence was imposed to not only silence Sassower but dissuade others from exercising their constitutional right to redress government on legitimate issues affecting the public welfare.

Endnotes

For a brief description of the Sassower trial, see:  http://www.tulanelink.com/tulanelink/sassower_04a.htm.

For a detailed presentation of events leading up to and including the Sassower incarceration, refer to the Center for Judicial Accountability at:

http://www.judgewatch.org/web-pages/disruption-of-congress/disruption-of-congress-case.htm, and
http://www.judgewatch.org/web-pages/disruption-of-congress/paper-trail-to-jail.htm.