New Jersey lawmakers extend rights of same-sex couples News
New Jersey lawmakers extend rights of same-sex couples

[JURIST] The New Jersey Legislature [official website] has passed two bills that, if enacted into law, will increase the legal rights of same-sex couples [JURIST news archive]. In one bill, same-sex couples will have the same rights as married couples regarding inheritance and funeral arrangements; in the second, gay couples will have access to health benefits if one partner works in the public sector. The bills received broad support in the legislature and Governor Richard Codey [official website] is expected to sign the bills into law. Reuters has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.