Spain court urged to drop arrest warrant for US soldiers News
Spain court urged to drop arrest warrant for US soldiers

[JURIST] Prosecutors for Spain's National Court asked Thursday that the court drop an arrest warrant issued for three American soldiers who allegedly killed Spanish journalist Jose Couso [Guardian report] and a Ukrainian cameraman in Iraq, according to a court official. The prosecutor's office said that Spain does not have jurisdiction to investigate causes of death that result from military conflict. The warrant was issued [JURIST report] Wednesday and the issuing judge plans to ask that the soldiers be extradited to Spain for trial. The Pentagon cleared the soldiers [Reporters Without Borders report; JURIST report] of any responsibility. 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.