Democrats continue calls for consultation on Supreme Court nominee News
Democrats continue calls for consultation on Supreme Court nominee

[JURIST] Leading Senate Democrats said Thursday that although they appreciate the phone calls from the Bush administration following the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor [JURIST report], they want to know exactly who President Bush is considering as a replacement before he submits a nomination to the Senate. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) [official website] stated, "To be meaningful, consultation should include who the President is actually considering so we can give responsive and useful advice." President Bush has stated he will not name a potential successor before July 8 [JURIST report]. AP has more. For ongoing speculation on potential nominees, visit the Supreme Court Nomination Blog.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.