House expected to OK legislation shielding gun manufacturers from liability News
House expected to OK legislation shielding gun manufacturers from liability

[JURIST] The US House of Representatives [official website] is expected on Thursday to approve a bill that will block various civil lawsuits filed against US gun manufacturers. Both Republicans and Democrats predicted that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act [S. 397 bill summary] would be approved with bipartisan support, clearing the way for President Bush to sign the law. The legislation gives gun manufacturers and dealers broad immunity from lawsuits filed by cities and municipalities, as well as for many suits filed by people harmed by guns. Opponents of the legislation, including the Brady Campaign [advocacy website], have warned that they will challenge the law in court. The legislation has been strongly supported by the National Rifle Association [advocacy website] and other gun-rights groups for years. Reuters has more.

12:21 PM ET – The House voted 283-144 to pass the legislation and it will now go to President Bush for his signature. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Dreyfus convicted of treason

On December 22, 1894, Jewish French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason in a court-martial trial that prompted worldwide allegations of anti-Semitism. Dreyfus was later cleared. Learn more about the case of Alfred Dreyfus and read an English translation of the famous public letter J'Accuse...! by novelist and Dreyfus partisan Emile Zola.

US passed Embargo Act, banning foreign trade

On December 22, 1807, the Embargo Act was passed at the urging of US President Thomas Jefferson. The act barred trade with any foreign nations in an effort to avoid American entry into the Napoleonic Wars of Europe. However, the act proved unenforceable and was replaced with the Non-Intercourse Act, which barred trade with France and Great Britain. Learn more about the Embargo Act of 1807 from Monticello.org