Judge questions Ashcroft’s decision to seek death penalty for convicted mob boss News
Judge questions Ashcroft’s decision to seek death penalty for convicted mob boss

[JURIST] A federal district judge Friday questioned a decision by US Attorney General John Ashcroft to seek the death penalty for convicted mob boss Joseph Massino. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York questioned the timing of Ashcroft's decision after he announced his resignation earlier this week, and Garaufis said he would order prosecutors to seek a review by the new attorney general. Massino was convicted in July on multiple charges stemming from his leadership of the Massino crime family. Ashcroft approved seeking the death penalty for Massino's conviction for the 1999 killing of Gerlando Sciascia, a member of the crime family. AP 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.