WA governor race still undecided, legal action possible News
WA governor race still undecided, legal action possible

[JURIST] Ten days after the last ballots were cast, the Washington state governor's race remained too close to call Friday, and the state Democratic party said it was considering options including legal action. State officials still have thousands of provisional ballots to count and only about 3,600 votes separate leader Republican Dino Rossi and Democrat Christine Gregoire. Much of the controversy over the count has centered on King County (county election information), where officials have found 900 provisional ballots with signature problems and the state Democratic Party has alleged intimidation of election workers by Republicans. The state has Republican Party denied the charge. Certified results are expected from King County next Wednesday, while statewide results must be certified by Dec. 2. The Washington Secretary of State has the latest results in the governor race. WA state elections laws are available here. The Seattle Times 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.