Plowshares Sentencing Hearing

Sketches of the Plowshares Trial

By Sylvia Gilman
Massachusetts Peace Action
Cambridge MA

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines provide for a limited amount of judicial discretion in pronouncing sentence. The issues before Judge Carter included many technical factors plus the larger issues of restitution, probation, and supervisory release.

The government was seeking stiff sentences, and argued that the judge had no discretion to depart from the guidelines, notwithstanding precedents in other celebrated cases.


Former US Attorney General Ramsey Clarks pleads for humane sentencing for Phil Berrigan, calling him "The Conscience of a Nation."


Mark Colville presents an eloquent statement to the Court.


Professor Michael True of Assumption College in Worcester presents a heartfelt plea for humane sentencing to Judge Carter on behalf of Tom Lewis-Borbely (seated behind him).


Tom Lewis-Borbely pleads before Judge Carter for humane sentencing, offering community service in lieu of cash restitution. He exhibits samples of his etchings which he offers as public art to commemorate historic events in the peace movement. Judge Carter rejected Tom's offer, stating the American taxpayers need to be reimbursed in cash.


Return to the Plowshares Main Page.