DeLay seeks to split charges, quick trial on one News
DeLay seeks to split charges, quick trial on one

[JURIST] US House Rep. Tom DeLay [official website; JURIST news archive] has asked the judge in his case to split the remaining two charges against him and move forward with a trial on one of them. After the judge in the case, Pat Priest [profile], threw out one conspiracy charge [JURIST report; JURIST document] against DeLay on Monday, only charges of money laundering [JURIST report] and conspiracy to commit money laundering remain. DeLay requested that the money laundering charge be severed and moved to trial in early January in the hope that he can regain his post as House majority leader when the House opens its session in late January. Because Priest removed some language from the conspiracy to commit money laundering charge, Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle [official website] may appeal the ruling, but the charge would be moot if DeLay were acquitted on the money laundering charge. DeLay has been accused of illegally using corporate donations to fund candidates for the Texas state legislature in a heated 2002 campaign, but DeLay has accused Earle of prosecutorial misconduct in the case. 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.