Former Westar CEO jailed for violating release terms News
Former Westar CEO jailed for violating release terms

[JURIST] A US District Court judge ruled Tuesday that David Wittig [Wikipedia profile], former CEO of Westar Energy [corporate website] has violated the terms of his release from prison and will be immediately returned to detention. Wittig, who was found guilty on 39 counts of corporate fraud [JURIST report] last September, was allowed to postpone his 51-month sentence until his attorneys exhausted the appeals process, provided that he did nothing to hide or lower the value of his assets. Judge Julie Robinson was persuaded by prosecutors who alleged that Wittig has manipulated bank accounts and sold stocks since his conviction in a scheme to transfer his wealth over to his wife. Wittig could still be required to pay fines or reimburse the government as a penalty for his conviction. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.