Romanian PM, cabinet to resign after court blocks EU justice reforms News
Romanian PM, cabinet to resign after court blocks EU justice reforms

[JURIST] Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu [official profile] said Thursday that he and his Cabinet [current members with links to profiles] will resign after the country's Constitutional Court [official website] ruled Wednesday that rejected reforms to the justice system designed to facilitate Romania's entry to the European Union (EU) [official website]. The EU had mandated the reforms to create an "independent, impartial and efficient" justice system in order for Romania to join the EU as planned in 2007 [JURIST report]. Tariceanu said that new elections are necessary in order for the coalition pursuing Romania's EU admission to gain the two-thirds majority necessary for Parliament to overrule the court's decision and pass the reforms. In the meantime Tariceanu appealed to the Romanian parliament to restart the justice reform process [press release]. Currently, the Constitutional Court is dominated by the former ruling Social Democratic Party [official website] and rejected reforms including implementing retirement ages for judges and increased competition in their appointments. The EU said it would examine the Romanian court's ruling. AP has more.

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.