Legal agenda and live webcasts ~ Thursday, April 7 News
Legal agenda and live webcasts ~ Thursday, April 7

[JURIST] Here's a run-down of law-related events, expected developments and live webcasts on JURIST's docket for Thursday, April 7.

The US Senate [official website] convenes at 10 AM ET today. Watch a live webcast of the session.

The US House [official website] is not in session today.

The Judeo-Christian Council on Constitutional Restoration will hold a forum on social reform and the judiciary at 1 PM ET today. Watch a live webcast of the event via C-SPAN.

The UN General Assembly [official website] convenes at 10 AM ET today, when it will consider a report by Secretary-General Kofi Annan following up on the Millenium Summit [official website]. Watch a live webcast of the session.

At the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the trial of Slobodan Milosevic [ICTY case backgrounder] continues today at 9:30 AM local time [3:30 AM ET]. Also today, the trial of Fatmir Limaj and others [ICTY case backgrounder] continues today at 2:45 PM local time [8:45 AM ET]. Watch a webcast of proceedings.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Connecticut adopts first modern constitution

On January 14, 1639, the first written governmental constitution in modern history was adopted in the Colony of Connecticut. The Fundamental Orders represented the first time that a government was based upon a written constitution anywhere in the world. Along with the Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders served as bases for the United States Constitution 150 years later, which in turn influenced the development of later constitutions throughout the world. Three hundred and twenty-six years after the original Fundamental Orders were adopted by Connecticut, the modern Constitution of Connecticut was ratified.

Guatemala constitution takes effect

On January 14, 1986, the current constitution of Guatemala took effect.

Read the Spanish-language text of the constitution, as amended in 1993.

First constitution adopted by Connecticut

On January 14, 1639, Connecticut adopted its first constitution, one of the earliest such documents in the American colonies. Review the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.