Justice Department opens probe into domestic spying role News
Justice Department opens probe into domestic spying role

[JURIST] The US Department of Justice [official website] has opened an internal investigation into its role in the domestic surveillance program approved by President Bush, Rep. Maurice Hinchey [official website] said Wednesday. Counsel for DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility [official website] confirmed that an investigation had been started in response to requests by four House members into the DOJ's role in approving the surveillance program and whether the program was legal under the current law. Hinchey's office has a news release. In January, the DOJ's usual internal investigations arm, the Office of the Inspector-General, passed up the opportunity to investigate the Department's role in the spying scandal itself, claiming it had no jurisdiction [JURIST report].

President Bush came under fire after it was revealed in December that he had approved domestic warrantless wiretaps [JURIST report] by the National Security Agency for terror suspects. Democrats have pushed for a variety of investigations into the program. Republican Sen. Mike DeWine [official website] is considering legislation that would allow the surveillance by exempting it from the requirements Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act [text]. 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.