Group to challenge planned protection of 48 endangered species in CA News
Group to challenge planned protection of 48 endangered species in CA

[JURIST] The Pacific Legal Foundation has initiated a challenge to plans by the government to designate four dozen endangered species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The foundation notified the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service Monday of its plans to challenge the agencies' action. The foundation claims that the government underestimated the economic impact of preserving habitat for the species based on a district court decision [PDF] in California. The Endangered Species Act requires advance notice before a lawsuit is filed. Read Pacific Legal's 60-day notice [PDF] of its intent to sue and a press release. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.