Swiss voters back stem cell research News
Swiss voters back stem cell research

[JURIST] Swiss voters approved a new law Sunday that will allow research on the stem cells of human embryos. Sunday's vote marks the first time a country has put the controversial issue to a popular vote. The Swiss law is stricter than in other European countries and will only allow research on cells from embryos less than seven days old that were left over from fertilization treatment and due for destruction anyway. Results of Sunday's vote can be found here (in French). Read additional background on the law [PDF, in French]. BBC News 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.