Lawyer Al-Bukhari is first woman to run for Egyptian presidency News
Lawyer Al-Bukhari is first woman to run for Egyptian presidency

[JURIST] Ashjan Ahmad al-Bukhari, an Egyptian lawyer, has become the first woman to join Egypt's presidential race, which for the first time will allow multiple candidates [JURIST report] this year. However, doubts remain about the validity of her candidacy, since at least 250 elected officials need to approve a candidate for them to appear on the ballot. President Hosni Mubarak [Wikipedia profile] has announced his own intention to seek re-election [JURIST report], along with opposition party leader Ayman Nur. AKI has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.