Legal agenda and live webcasts ~ Thursday, March 24 News
Legal agenda and live webcasts ~ Thursday, March 24

[JURIST] Here's a run-down of law-related events, expected developments and live webcasts on JURIST's docket for Thursday, March 24.

The US Senate and US House [official websites] are in recess until April 4.

American University Washington College of Law will hold a forum on the Geneva Conventions [text] today. Sessions will run from 9 AM to 6 PM ET. View the agenda, and watch a live webcast via C-SPAN 2.

The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and the AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies are hosting a forum titled "The Future of Telecom Deregulation: Two Alternative Views," beginning at 10 AM ET. Watch a live webcast via C-SPAN.

A decision is expected today [Reuters report] by Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board [official website] on whether a US soldier who deserted due to opposition to the war in Iraq qualifies for refuge. Jeremy Hinzman fled to Canada [JURIST report] after being called up for service in Iraq.

Tajikistan is holding a second round of parliamentary elections [CNN backgrounder] today.

The 61st session of the UN Commission on Human Rights [official website] continues in Geneva today. View the daily agenda [DOC].

At the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the trial of Slobodan Milosevic [ICTY case backgrounder] continues today at 9:30 AM local time [3:30 AM ET]. Also today, the trial of Fatmir Limaj and others [ICTY case backgrounder] continues at 2:45 PM local time [8:45 AM ET]. Watch a webcast of proceedings.

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.