Israeli Supreme Court rejects petitions against Gaza pullout News
Israeli Supreme Court rejects petitions against Gaza pullout

[JURIST] Israel's Supreme Court [official English site] Monday dismissed an attempt by Jewish settlers to bar legislation enabling the government to accomplish its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The settlers filed eight petitions challenging the Evacuation Compensation bill, ratified in February, which provides government compensation for the 8,500 Israelis who are to be evacuated in an Israeli attempt to disengage from conflict with Palestinians. "After a review of the material, we determine by majority opinion that there is no room to issue the interim injunctions that have been sought," the court said in its decision. The evacuation is set to begin July 20, although Prime Minister Ariel Sharon [BBC profile] indictated on Monday that he may delay withdrawal by three weeks due to a Jewish mourning period [BBC report]. Reuters has more on the Supreme Court decision.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Montgomery started racially-integrated bus service after boycott

On December 21, 1956, buses in Montgomery, Alabama, started racially integrated service following federal court rulings ending on-board segregation. Bus boycott leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were among the first riders under the new scheme. Learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stalin born

On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he became leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for millions of deaths.