Missouri governor to continue with inmate abortion case News
Missouri governor to continue with inmate abortion case

[JURIST] The administration of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt [official website] will continue its legal defense of a state law [text] prohibiting inmates from obtaining abortions unless a woman's life or health is endangered, despite the US Supreme Court's recent decision [JURIST report] allowing the transport of a current inmate to a St. Louis abortion clinic. The state's policy eliminating procedures facilitating inmate access to abortion, including a prohibition of the use of public funds for abortions, came into effect September 5. While the administration could have dropped the suit in response to the Supreme Court's decision, a Blunt spokesman emphasized Tuesday that the decision did not address the merits of the policy in question. The Supreme Court has yet to schedule oral arguments on a permanent injunction against enforcement of the law. 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.