Ashcroft resignation triggers praise, criticism News
Ashcroft resignation triggers praise, criticism

[JURIST] The late Tuesday announcement of Attorney General John Ashcroft's resignation (previously reported in JURIST's Paper Chase) prompted differing responses Tuesday and Wednesday from interest groups and lawmakers around the country, reflecting a sometimes divisive reign as the country's top law enforcement official. The conservative American Center for Law and Justice praised Ashcroft for providing "exceptional guidance" during his tenure, while the ACLU called on President Bush to appoint a more moderate attorney general willing to roll back parts of the Patriot Act. AP has more reactions to the announcement. CNN has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.