Federal judge denies bid to revive slavery reparations suit News
Federal judge denies bid to revive slavery reparations suit

[JURIST] A federal judge in Chicago dismissed a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking reparations from several companies that benefitted or profited from slavery prior to its abolition. US District Judge Charles R. Norgle [official profile] ruled that a geneological tie was not enough to show injury, that the suit was brought too late, and finally that the issue is one for legislators, not judges. The Chicago Sun-Times has local coverage and opinion excerpts. The suit was dismissed with prejudice [AP report], but an appeal to the Seventh Circuit is being planned.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Montgomery started racially-integrated bus service after boycott

On December 21, 1956, buses in Montgomery, Alabama, started racially integrated service following federal court rulings ending on-board segregation. Bus boycott leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were among the first riders under the new scheme. Learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stalin born

On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he became leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for millions of deaths.