Lynne F. Stewart, Lawyer Who Battles Big Government, Receives 28-Month Sentence:

Stewart, characterized by the New York Times as "the firebrand lawyer known for defending unsavory criminals," received a sentence of just over two years, not the 30 years that the government asked for in its case against her for divulging information to the press passed on to her by her client, an imprisoned terrorist.

Stewart, 67, was found guilty by a jury in February of 2005. She is recovering from breast surgery and is said to be afraid that it will return in prison, where the government can control its treatment, or the lack thereof, as a means of controlling her.

Although only a few reporters were allowed in the courtroom during sentencing, the general report is that Stewart's followers view the sentence as a victory of sorts. The government was intent on sending a strong message to those who would speak out against the current policy regarding terrorism with a sentence against Stewart that would virtually amount to a death sentence.