Italy proposes tougher anti-terror laws in London aftermath News
Italy proposes tougher anti-terror laws in London aftermath

[JURIST] Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu [official profile] presented new anti-terror measures in Italy's parliament Tuesday amid increased fears of attacks in Italy in the wake of Thursday's bombings in London [JURIST report]. The measures, including provisions allowing police to hold suspects longer who have not been charged, would give police greater investigative powers and provide incentives for those who aid authorities in exposing terrorist cells. Pisanu is expected to present more detailed provisions to the parliament in coming days and is seeking the backing of all parties for the legislation. Italy raised its alert level and tightened security [JURIST report] countrywide after the London explosions. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Dreyfus convicted of treason

On December 22, 1894, Jewish French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason in a court-martial trial that prompted worldwide allegations of anti-Semitism. Dreyfus was later cleared. Learn more about the case of Alfred Dreyfus and read an English translation of the famous public letter J'Accuse...! by novelist and Dreyfus partisan Emile Zola.

US passed Embargo Act, banning foreign trade

On December 22, 1807, the Embargo Act was passed at the urging of US President Thomas Jefferson. The act barred trade with any foreign nations in an effort to avoid American entry into the Napoleonic Wars of Europe. However, the act proved unenforceable and was replaced with the Non-Intercourse Act, which barred trade with France and Great Britain. Learn more about the Embargo Act of 1807 from Monticello.org