Alger Hiss, an influential figure in American government, became embroiled in controversy when he was accused of espionage by Whittaker Chambers, a former Soviet agent and writer. Chambers alleged that Hiss had passed classified documents to him during the 1930s, implicating Hiss in a larger conspiracy involving Soviet intelligence operations in the United States. Hiss's legal battles began when Chambers produced evidence and named Hiss in his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Throughout the trial, Hiss maintained his innocence, asserting that he had never been involved in any espionage activities and challenging the credibility of Chambers. The trial was a significant moment in the early Cold War period, shedding light on domestic fears of communist infiltration. In January 1950, after a deliberation period, the jury found Hiss guilty on two counts of perjury related to his statements regarding the allegations made by Chambers. Hiss was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison, but he remained a figure of contention within American politics, leading to further investigations and debates regarding socialism and communism in the United States.