Judge allows Hinckley overnight visits with parents News
Judge allows Hinckley overnight visits with parents

[JURIST] A federal judge on Friday granted a request by John W. Hinckley, Jr. [profile], who shot President Ronald Reagan and 3 others in 1981 [PBS report], for seven overnight visits with his parents in their home in Williamsburg, Virginia, 150 miles from Washington. Hinckley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982, has been confined to St. Elizabeths Hospital [hospital website], a psychiatric unit in Washington, but has been allowed to leave the facility for overnight visits within 50 miles of the hospital. US District Judge Paul L. Friedman, who initially denied the request [JURIST report], conditioned the three and four-night visits on Hinckley not leaving his parents custody for more than 90 minutes during the visits and checking in with the hospital daily. The US Justice Department may appeal the decision. 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.