ICJ hears arguments on Congo claim against Uganda News
ICJ hears arguments on Congo claim against Uganda

[JURIST] The International Court of Justice [official website], the principle judicial organ of the UN, will begin hearing oral arguments Monday in the case of Armed Activities on the Territory of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda). The case, filed in 1999, concerns DRC allegations that Uganda [government website] invaded its territory, violated international human rights law, and massacred Congolese citizens. Congo is seeking reparations for damages from destruction and looting of local towns and villages, as well as "the restitution of national property and resources appropriated for the benefit of Uganda." Oral arguments will last for three weeks, ending on Friday, April 29. View the ICJ docket information for DRC v. Uganda. Read the ICJ press release on the hearings. 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.