FCC Internet wiretapping order takes effect News
FCC Internet wiretapping order takes effect

[JURIST] A Federal Communications Commission [official website] order [PDF text], which sets the date for all broadband and internet-phone providers to modify their systems to comply with a federal law that requires telecommunications providers to cooperate with law enforcement agencies seeking to conduct wiretaps, took effect Monday. The order, adopted in September 2005, widens the scope of the 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) [text, FCC materials], which mandates that "[all] entities engaged in the transmission or switching of wire or electronic communications as a common carrier for hire must cooperate with law enforcement to conduct electronic surveillance", to include emerging technologies including broadband and certain voice data providers. Many carriers are concerned that the vague language of the order will lead to inconsistent enforcement, and many non-profit and public interest groups have asked for exemptions [FCC comment archive]. Affected carriers have 18 months from Monday to ensure that the mandated measures are in place. CNET News 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.