Cambodia ratifies pact with US on nonsurrender to ICC News
Cambodia ratifies pact with US on nonsurrender to ICC

[JURIST] Cambodia's National Assembly [official website] came to an agreement with the US government Wednesday regarding the nonsurrender of current or former US government officials and employees to the International Criminal Court [official website]. The US Embassy in Phnom Penh [official website] praised the decision and reaffirmed its commitment to pursue justice for crime committed by its citizens. The measure is the latest instance of the controversial Article 98 [Department of State overview] agreements that the US has negotiated with many countries around the world. Kyodo News 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.