Supreme Court nominee writes disability opinion News
Supreme Court nominee writes disability opinion

[JURIST] US Supreme Court nominee John Roberts [JURIST report] wrote an opinion [PDF] Tuesday, dismissing a class-action suit brought by firefighters and federal law enforcement officers who sought increased disability benefits upon retirement. The retirees were hoping to gain higher benefits before meeting the threshold requirements of reaching the retirement age of 50 and serving for over 20 years. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit [official website] indicated that Congress gave the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) [official website] the authority to handle these types of claims, so federal courts do not have jurisdiction over them. Judge Roberts wrote, "Congress has prescribed a route other than suit." The OPM had offered retroactive benefits to those retiring before turning 50 if they served 20 years, which Roberts said "fell within the OPM's discretionary powers." 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.