MA Senate OKs stem cell research bill News
MA Senate OKs stem cell research bill

[JURIST] The Massachusetts Senate [official website] Wednesday approved by an overwhelming margin a bill to loosen restrictions on scientists conducting stem cell research. The measure, which would allow cloning of embryos from which stem cells can be extracted for research, passed by a 35-2 margin. Despite the Senate passage, the bill's future remains uncertain. The bill needs at least two-thirds majority support in the House to overcome an almost certain veto by Gov. Mitt Romney [official profile]. Romney has adamantly opposed [Boston Globe report] the bill, calling it a "radical cloning bill." Supporters of the legislation argue that it will help find new treatments and cures for diseases. Read Senate Bill No. 25 [text]. AP 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.