This session is recorded on five audio reels. Speakers include Nat Hentoff, Gerald Lefcourt and Henry S. Ruth, Jr.

In the first reel, moderator Martin Gallent introduces the subject of the discussion by reading a statement on the Attica prison riot calling for court reform, poses the question of whether changes in society must necessitate a large-scale change in the court system, and introduces the first speaker, critic and author Nat Hentoff, who speaks at 6:46. Hentoff calls for greater public awareness of social issues through press coverage of prisons, the court system, and environmental concerns, and mentions the lawsuit against New York City's Bureau of Special Services over secret surveillance.

In the second reel, Gallent gives a brief introduction of New York City Criminal Justice Coordinating Council director Henry "Hank" Ruth, who speaks at 00:57. Ruth discusses the importance of a new approach to criminal justice reform, the necessity of community treatment centers for drug addiction and other social services, and argues for avoiding group stereotypes in reforming criminal justice.

In the third reel, Gallent gives a brief introduction of attorney Gerald Lefcourt, who speaks at 00:42. Lefcourt argues for a radical reformation of criminal justice in the United States, which he refers to as the "political trial capital of the world." He notes the importance of economic conditions among the causes of crime and the government's active opposition to social change, through surveillance, political investigation, propaganda, and infiltration of groups considered subversive. Lefcourt cites the acquittal of the Panther Twenty-one as an example of a just legal outcome in the face of the government's extralegal tactics in the prosecution of crime.

The fourth reel contains an open discussion between panelists. Moderator Martin Gallant opens the floor for discussion, and at 00:50 Nat Hentoff commends Henry "Hank" Ruth's advocacy for social programs, and condemns the lack of transparency in legislative procedures regarding funding for such programs. At 3:57, Gerald Lefcourt notes the necessity for reforming the economic system given the current distribution of funds. At 6:43 Ruth notes that New York City has doubled its budget for criminal justice, and that the problem is one of allocation. The panelists debate the relative importance of goverment surveillance in criminal justice, and at 18:35, the floor is opened to audience questions, the topics of which include: the city crime rate, the reality and myths surrounding government surveillance, and specific changes to create reform in criminal justice.

The fifth reel continues the question and answer period of the session. Topics of questions include: the trial of Weather Underground members Bernardine Dohrn and Bill Ayers, potential changes in the court system, race in the criminal justice system, the Panther Twenty-one trial, the adequacy of the public defender system, pre-trial discovery, court dispositions, and the election of judges. Gallent concludes the event at 25:30.