Schiavo autopsy reveals brain damage consistent with persistent vegetative state News
Schiavo autopsy reveals brain damage consistent with persistent vegetative state

[JURIST] An autopsy report [PDF text] released Wednesday showed that Terri Schiavo [JURIST news archive] had a severely "atrophied" brain that weighed less than half of what a normal brain should weigh and was irreversibly damaged. Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner Jon Thogmartin said that the findings were "consistent" with a person in a persistent vegetative state. The autopsy also found no evidence of abuse, matching conclusions reached by the Florida Department of Children and Families that previous allegations made against husband Michael Schiavo were unfounded [Orlando Sentinel report]. Terri Schiavo died March 31 after a prolonged legal battle over her condition and wishes. The New York Times 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.

Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide

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.