New Saudi ruler Abdullah pledges ‘justice’ News
New Saudi ruler Abdullah pledges ‘justice’

[JURIST] Saudi Arabia's new ruler King Abdullah [Wikipedia profile] has vowed to "work for justice and serve all citizens without discrimination," in his first address to the nation [speech excerpts] as its official leader. Saudi King Fahd died early Monday [BBC report] but the country had been under the de facto rule of Crown Prince Abdullah for years due to the ill-health of the King, a period characterized by pushes towards reform and against Islamic extremism. Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said he expected the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia to continue to strengthen and promised a "total war" against terrorism. Arab News has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Last hanging of a woman in the UK

On July 13, 1955, Ruth Ellis became the last woman to be hanged in Britain after being convicted of murder. Learn more about the hanging and trial of Ruth Ellis.

Continental Congress passes Northwest Ordinance

On July 13, 1787, the Continental Congress, operating under the Articles of Confederation, passed the Northwest Ordinance. Considered to be the most important piece of legislation passed under the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance created and organized the Northwest Territory, which would become the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio, as well as part of Minnesota. Learn more about the Northwest Territory.