CT ex-governor Rowland begins prison sentence News
CT ex-governor Rowland begins prison sentence

[JURIST] Former Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland [archived official website] arrived Friday at Loretto [official website], a minimum-security federal prison in Pennsylvania, to begin his year-long sentence for corruption of office. Rowland was sentenced two weeks ago [JURIST report] to one year in prison, four months of house arrest, three years probation, and an $82,000 fine after pleading guilty last December [JURIST report]. The federal Bureau of Prisons decided to place Rowland about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh, despite a recommendation by the sentencing judge for a prison outside of Boston, near his family. The former governor, who fell from power after a top aide disclosed to the FBI numerous payoffs received by the office, will be eligible for release in 10 months. AP has more.

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.