Former Virginia Governor: will appeal public corruption conviction News
Former Virginia Governor: will appeal public corruption conviction

[JURIST] An attorney for former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell [political profile] on Tuesday said he will appeal his public corruption convictions to the US Supreme Court [official website] after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website] refused to reconsider the case. McDonnell’s attorney did not specify [Washington Post report] whether or not McDonnell would have to begin his 2-year prison sentence [JURIST commentary] and some are skeptical that the appeal will even be heard by the Supreme Court.

In 2014 Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen McDonnell were accused [USA Today report] of accepting more than $165,000 in gifts and loans from Jonnie Williams, the CEO of Star Scientific Inc., in exchange for favors for and promotions of the company. On July 28, 2014 the trial [Washington Post Timeline] against the former governor and his wife began in which damning evidence was produced showing how the McDonnells frequently promoted the dietary supplements of Star Scientific. On September 4, 2014 the McDonnells were found guilty of the 11 counts of corruption and in January, Bob McDonnell was sentenced to 2-years and Maureen received a 1 year and 1 day sentence.

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.