BREAKING NEWS ~ Pope elected News
BREAKING NEWS ~ Pope elected

[JURIST] Following what appeared to be a puff of white smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel a few minutes ago, bells are now ringing at the Vatican indicating that Roman Catholic cardinals have elected a new pope, as yet unidentified. Observers had suggested that an election in the first days of balloting in the conclave could mean the elevation of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger [Vatican profile] of Germany, an early favorite of conservatives and Dean of the College of Cardinals. An announcement is pending from the Vatican. For the very latest developments, listen to Vatican Radio live [in Italian].

12:43 PM ET – In the traditional "Habemus Papam" proclamation from a balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, the new Pope has just been named as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, taking the name of Benedict XVI. EWTN-TV, the US-based Catholic television network, is providing live video.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Anita Hill testifies about Clarence Thomas sexual harassment

Attorney Anita Hill testified before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on October 11, 1991 about sexual harassment she suffered from her former supervisor Clarence Thomas, who was nominated by President Ronald Regan for a seat on the US Supreme Court. The US Senate would later confirm Thomas by a vote of 52–48 despite Hill's testimony. Watch the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings on CSPAN.

Vatican II opens

On October 11, 1962, the Second Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church convened in Rome, Italy. Over the next three years, the conference modernized Church Law for the modern era. The most noticeable changes included the celebration of mass in the vernacular, a new emphasis on the role of laypersons, and a greater acceptance of other faiths. Read documents from Vatican II from Church archives.

Harlan Fiske Stone born

On October 11, 1872, Harlan Fiske Stone, future Columbia Law School dean (1910-1924), US Attorney General under President Calvin Coolidge (1924-25), US Supreme Court Associate Justice (1925-41) and Chief Justice (1941-46), was born in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. As part of a political compromise, Stone became the first Supreme Court nominee to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, testifying for five hours on January 28, 1925.

Harlan Fiske Stone born

On October 11, 1872, Harlan Fiske Stone, future Columbia Law School dean (1910-1924), US Attorney General under President Calvin Coolidge (1924-25), US Supreme Court Associate Justice (1925-41) and Chief Justice (1941-46), was born in Chesterfield, New Hampshire.

As part of a political compromise, Stone became the first Supreme Court nominee to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, testifying for five hours on January 28, 1925.