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

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.