Australian Senate passes amendment to allow easier prosecution of terror suspects News
Australian Senate passes amendment to allow easier prosecution of terror suspects

[JURIST] The Australian Senate [official website] on Thursday hurriedly passed an amendment [JURIST report] to the country's current counter-terrorism legislation the day after Prime Minister John Howard warned of a credible terror attack. Responding to the threat, Howard proposed an amendment to allow prosecution without identifying a specific terrorist act [press release], instead of having to wait until investigators have specific details of alleged attacks. Critics of the legislation, passed in the House of Representatives [official website] Wednesday, believe Howard's undetailed warning about the potential attack was used to push through this legislation, which many believe threatens civil liberties. Another package of new legislation [JURIST report] was introduced to parliament Thursday is expected to pass later this month. The new anti-terror proposals will allow authorities to secretly detain those with knowledge of terrorist activity for up to two weeks without charge. AFP 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.