Former WorldCom CEO petitions for reduced sentence News
Former WorldCom CEO petitions for reduced sentence

[JURIST] Lawyers for former WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers [Wikipedia profile] filed a motion Friday asking for a lesser sentence for his fraud conviction [JURIST report] in March. The motion included support from Ebbers' family members, friends, and former employees in over 150 letters outlining his character and his many charitable gifts to organizations such as the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and his alma mater Mississippi College. Ebbers' attorneys also requested that his heart-related medical condition be a factor in the sentencing decision. According to the federal sentencing guidelines [manuals and amendments, PDF], Ebbers may be facing up to 85 years in prison, although the Supreme Court recently ruled that the guidelines are not mandatory [JURIST report]. Ebbers' sentencing is expected on take place on July 13. The Clarion-Ledger has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.