Former MA House Speaker indicted in redistricting probe News
Former MA House Speaker indicted in redistricting probe

[JURIST] Former Massachusetts Speaker of the House of Representatives [official website] Thomas Finneran [official website] was indicted Monday on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for lying about his role in a redistricting plan [Common Cause backgrounder on redistricting in Massachusetts]. Finneran, considered for many years the most influential state politician, resigned to run the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council [official website] in September 2004. A lawsuit was originally brought by minority groups who felt the redistricting plan would hurt black and Hispanic candidates while aiding Finneran and other incumbants. Finneran denied seeing the new map before it was filed with the House clerk but House rules and state law permit the Speaker to take an active role in the process. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Hitler and Nazis attempt failed coup in Beer Hall Putsch

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted an ill-faited coup in Munich, Germany on November 8, 1923. Instead of seizing power, the conspirators suffered 15 casualties and their leaders were arrested, including Hitler. The future dictator would spend a year in prison as a result, where he would write his infamous Mein Kampf. Learn more about the Beer Hall Putsch.

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On November 8, 1994, Oregon passed the Death With Dignity Act by voter initiative, becoming the first US state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Read the Death With Dignity Act,

France government opens the Louvre as a public museum

On November 8, 1793, the revolutionary government in France opened the Louvre for the first time as a public museum. Learn more about the history of the Louvre.