Ireland prepares to bring Britain before European human rights court News
Ireland prepares to bring Britain before European human rights court

[JURIST] Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern [Wikipedia profile] said Tuesday he would begin discussions with Attorney General Rory Brady [official profile] about bringing London before the European Court of Human Rights [official website] for failing to release files about car bombings occurring in 1974 [BBC report]. The bombings by Protestant loyalists resulted in the largest loss of life in Ireland's recent history, killing 34 people in Dublin and Monaghan. Ireland sought the documents after an Irish judicial inquiry two years ago suggested there had been collusion between British security forces and the loyalist bomb teams, though UK Prime Minister Tony Blair claims Britain has found no similar evidence. A group of victims' relatives, Justice for the Forgotten [advocacy website], has already filed a complaint with the Strasbourg-based court alleging the Ulster Volunteer Force [BBC backgrounder] was assisted by British Army intelligence in planting the bombs. AFP 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.