Smoking health effects scheme ruling [US SC] News
Smoking health effects scheme ruling [US SC]

USA, et al. v. Philip Morris USA Inc., et al., US Supreme Court, May 22, 2009 [affirming a district court ruling that tobacco manufacturers conducted a scheme to deceive American consumers as to the health effects of their products through a pattern of mail and wire fraud]. Read the full text of the opinion [PDF]. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Eritrean independence referendum begins

Eritrea's referendum for independence from Ethiopia began on April 23, 1993. The effort would later be successful, with over 99 percent of voters choosing independence. The referendum followed an independence war that lasted over thirty years. Learn more about the Eritrea/Ethiopia Conflict and Eritrea's independence.

Charles II of England crowned in restoration of monarchy

Charles II was crowned King of England on April 23, 1661, officially marking the restoration of the monarchy following a period of republican rule under Oliver and Richard Cromwell. The king's coronation took place 12 years after his father, Charles I, was executed for treason. Charles II was already recognized as King of Scotland more than 10 years prior. Learn more about Charles II.

RFK assassin sentenced to death

On April 23, 1969, Sirhan Sirhan was sentenced to death for the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Review a 1998 statement by Sirhan attorney Larry Teeter claiming Sirhan did not commit the crime. Sirhan was most recently denied parole in March 2023.

U.S. Army reserve created

On April 23, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt created the U.S. Army Reserve.