DeLay associate says charges outrageous, result of political motives News
DeLay associate says charges outrageous, result of political motives

[JURIST] An attorney for Jim Ellis, head of Americans for a Republican Majority and an associate of former House majority leader Tom DeLay [official website], said in court documents Tuesday that all charges against Ellis are a result of government misconduct. Ellis, along with John Colyandro, has been charged [JURIST report] with multiple felony violations in the investigation into DeLay's 2002 campaign fundraising activities. Tuesday's motion accused Texas prosecutor Ronnie Earle [official website] of abusing the grand jury process, shoring up pretrial publicity and prosecuting Ellis and Colyandro for being Republicans with ties to DeLay. DeLay, Ellis, and Colyandro all face charges for allegedly funneling corporate money into state GOP races through the National Republican Party. In addition to filing motions to dismiss the indictments [JURIST report] against him, Tom DeLay has also subpoenaed Earle [JURIST report] in an effort to show improper grand jury conduct. DeLay's campaign website lists several accusations against Earle, which echo the allegations in Ellis' motion 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.