UK considering tough changes to anti-terror laws News
UK considering tough changes to anti-terror laws

[JURIST] Britain is considering a host of new anti-terrorism measures including the introduction of special courts to try terror suspects without a jury, according to an interview given by Home Secretary David Blunkett. Other measures being considered include allowing evidence gained from phone tapping to be used in trials and the introduction of "civil orders" to restrict actions of those suspected of planning terrorist acts. Blunkett indicated that he would not try and introduce a bill unless Prime Minister Tony Blair's government wins the general election, which is expected to be called in the middle of next year. Currently, the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Anti-Terrorism, Crime & Security Act 2001 govern the UK's counter-terrorism efforts. The Home Office has background on UK anti-terrorism legislation. AFP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Indian National Congress founded

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. In subsequent decades, the so-called Congress Party would advocate for Indian independence from the UK, which was eventually achieved in 1947. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as a member of the INC. Learn more about the history and founding of the Indian National Congress.

Congress recognized Pledge of Allegiance

On December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and encouraged its recitation in schools. The Pledge was supposedly written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus Day. The words “under God” were added by Congress in 1954. The revised version of the Pledge was the subject of litigation before the United States Supreme Court originally brought by Michael Newdow, a parent who unsuccessfully objected to his daughter's school district policy requiring daily recitation of the Pledge. The court ruled that Newdow had no standing.

Nepal ends monarchy, establishes republic

On December 28, 2007, the Kingdom of Nepal's interim parliament ended the country's monarchy and established the Republic of Nepal. Free elections were held on April 10 of the following year to elect a Constituent Assembly.

Learn more about the rise of democracy in Nepal.