The screenplay was derived entirely from the transcript of the real "Chicago 8" trial. A message appears before the opening credits that reads "Everything you are about to see and hear actually happened."
A few of the original Chicago 8 have passed away since its original airing, but all were alive and present for the production of this drama. Interviews are shown with the actual participants of the trial, and a photo session is shown, in which the actors portraying the participants are photographed with their real-life counterparts.