Spanish, French leaders rally for European constitution News
Spanish, French leaders rally for European constitution

[JURIST] French President Jacques Chirac [official website] is set to join Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero [Wikipedia.com profile] in Barcelona Friday at a rally for the "Yes" side in Spain's upcoming referendum on the European Constitution, slated for February 20. The 25-nation constitution [EU history of the constitution; press pack] signed on October 29, establishes a permanent president and foreign-policy chief, creates an EU diplomatic service, improves crime-fighting and judicial cooperation, incorporates a charter of basic rights, simplifies voting on EU laws and shrinks the Brussel's based executive and regulatory arm. Eight other nations, including France, the UK, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Poland are also expected to hold referenda on the issue. Lithuania, Hungary and Slovenia have already ratified, and additional legislative ratifications will follow. All 25 EU member states must ratify before the constitution comes into force. Polls show that Spanish voters are likely to approve the European pact. Bloomberg has more. Visit the Spanish government's official website for the referendum campaign [in Spanish].

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.