Australia PM says new anti-terror law will be in place by Christmas News
Australia PM says new anti-terror law will be in place by Christmas

[JURIST] The Australian Government and Prime Minister John Howard [official website] committed Sunday to passing new anti-terror laws before Christmas after weekend meetings to discuss a revised draft [JURIST report] of a proposed anti-terror bill. Howard gave premiers until Monday to respond to the revision after the initial Friday deadline passed, and hopes to introduce the final draft to the Australian parliament this week. Though the full details of the final draft have not been disclosed, the main terms include tough control orders and preventative detention, as well as a provision to give authorities the right to shoot-to-kill suspected terrorists [JURIST report]. The controversial bill has sparked free speech demonstrations outside Howard’s home, but Howard insists the legislation will not curb free speech. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Hitler and Nazis attempt failed coup in Beer Hall Putsch

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted an ill-faited coup in Munich, Germany on November 8, 1923. Instead of seizing power, the conspirators suffered 15 casualties and their leaders were arrested, including Hitler. The future dictator would spend a year in prison as a result, where he would write his infamous Mein Kampf. Learn more about the Beer Hall Putsch.

Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide

On November 8, 1994, Oregon passed the Death With Dignity Act by voter initiative, becoming the first US state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Read the Death With Dignity Act,

France government opens the Louvre as a public museum

On November 8, 1793, the revolutionary government in France opened the Louvre for the first time as a public museum. Learn more about the history of the Louvre.