Australian lawyers group opposes proposed terror laws as ‘draconian’ News
Australian lawyers group opposes proposed terror laws as ‘draconian’

[JURIST] An Australian lawyers group is describing new anti-terrorism legislation [JURIST report] proposed by Australian Prime Minister John Howard [official profile] as "draconian" and has called on regional governments to reject it. The Law Society of New South Wales [profession website] said Friday that the proposal threatened civil rights and Howard had failed to justify the expansion of police powers included in the legislation. The group called on New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma [official profile] to oppose the federal government plan. After initially rejecting the inclusion of sunset provisions [Sydney Morning Herald report] in the proposal, Howard appeared to take a step back Friday and leave open the possibility. Read the Law Society of New South Wales news release. The Australian has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Hitler and Nazis attempt failed coup in Beer Hall Putsch

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted an ill-faited coup in Munich, Germany on November 8, 1923. Instead of seizing power, the conspirators suffered 15 casualties and their leaders were arrested, including Hitler. The future dictator would spend a year in prison as a result, where he would write his infamous Mein Kampf. Learn more about the Beer Hall Putsch.

Oregon legalized physician-assisted suicide

On November 8, 1994, Oregon passed the Death With Dignity Act by voter initiative, becoming the first US state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Read the Death With Dignity Act,

France government opens the Louvre as a public museum

On November 8, 1793, the revolutionary government in France opened the Louvre for the first time as a public museum. Learn more about the history of the Louvre.