Newly-released documents show military opposition to harsh interrogation tactics News
Newly-released documents show military opposition to harsh interrogation tactics

[JURIST] Military lawyers cautioned US forces against using extreme interrogation tactics in early 2003, according to documents released in response to a request by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) [official website]. The memorandums warned that using such methods might result in mistreatment of American POWs and criminal prosecution, international and domestic, for the interrogators. A Bush administration task force concluded, however, that the nature of the fight against terrorism would leave investigators immune. Graham, along with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) [official website] is introducing separate legislation [JURIST report] aimed at addressing prisoner treatment and conditions at Guantanamo, a move the White House opposes [New York Times report]. The New York Times has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Indian National Congress founded

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded on December 28, 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. In subsequent decades, the so-called Congress Party would advocate for Indian independence from the UK, which was eventually achieved in 1947. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected as a member of the INC. Learn more about the history and founding of the Indian National Congress.

Congress recognized Pledge of Allegiance

On December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance and encouraged its recitation in schools. The Pledge was supposedly written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus Day. The words “under God” were added by Congress in 1954. The revised version of the Pledge was the subject of litigation before the United States Supreme Court originally brought by Michael Newdow, a parent who unsuccessfully objected to his daughter's school district policy requiring daily recitation of the Pledge. The court ruled that Newdow had no standing.

Nepal ends monarchy, establishes republic

On December 28, 2007, the Kingdom of Nepal's interim parliament ended the country's monarchy and established the Republic of Nepal. Free elections were held on April 10 of the following year to elect a Constituent Assembly.

Learn more about the rise of democracy in Nepal.