Bush signs human trafficking bill into law News
Bush signs human trafficking bill into law

[JURIST] President Bush Tuesday signed into law a renewal of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 [PDF text; fact sheet], providing $361 million over two years towards to investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases, most involving the sex trade. The US Justice Department reported [text, PDF] last year that it has prosecuted 271 human trafficking cases since the original bill was passed, with a 100% conviction rate. Over the summer, the US State Department released a report [text] accusing 14 nations [country reports] of failing to adaquately address human trafficking issues through law enforcement. More recently, the EU outlined a plan to combat human trafficking [JURIST report], and has encouraged member nations to enact laws strengthening their policies. Read a transcript of the President's remarks at the signing ceremony. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Laws of Burgos put into effect

The Spanish Crown put the Laws of Burgos into effect on December 27, 1512. These laws governed the relationship of Spanish settlers with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean. The laws established the encomienda system of labor, promoted conversion to Catholicism, and safeguarded the indigenous peoples from physical abuse.  However, historians argue that the laws were ineffective at protecting the rights of the indigenous population. Learn more from the Library of Congress.

Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public bar smashing

On December 27, 1900, militant Prohibitionist Carrie Nation carried out her first public smashing of a bar, at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Nation argued that destroying bars was an acceptable means of battling the liquor trade since the Kansas Constitution prohibited alcohol. Learn more about Carrie Nation.

World Bank created

On December 27, 1944, the World Bank was created during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA. Learn more about the history of the World Bank.