Brazil Supreme Court judge announces investigation of cabinet ministers News
Brazil Supreme Court judge announces investigation of cabinet ministers

A Brazil Supreme Court [official website] justice on Tuesday ordered investigations into eight cabinet ministers and dozens of lawmakers who are allegedly linked to the country’s so-called “car wash” bribery scheme. The list of those under investigation [Reuters report] consists of high-ranking officials in key political positions. Citizens in Brazil have erupted in protest due to the alleged political corruption conspiracy. The investigation threatens President Michel Temer [official profile] efforts to pass reforms directing at strengthen investor confidence and rebuilding the economy. According to Senator Jorge Viana

Brazil has endured tumultuous times as former president Dilma Rousseff was ousted for corruption [JURIST report] during a time of economic turmoil. The implications imposed from the anti-corruption measure “Operation Carwash” [JURIST report] hangs over the economy of Brazil. Charges have been filed against some of Brazil’s most powerful politicians, including [JURIST report] former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In late September former finance minister Antonio Palocci was arrested [JURIST report]. In November Rousseff’s lawyers filed documents [JURIST report] with the Superior Electoral Court in Brazil alleging that her former vice president and current President Michel Temer took a large bribe.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Justice Department brings anit-trust action against AT&T

On November 20, 1974, the Department of Justice filed its final anti-trust suit against AT&T. United States v. AT&T was ultimately settled out of court with an agreement that the corporation would break up its monopoly on phone service throughout the country.

Nuremberg war crimes trials began

On November 20, 1945, the war crimes trials of Nazi World War II leaders began in the German city of Nuremberg. Review the Nuremberg Tribunal's Charter and the verdicts and sentences handed down on major war figures.

Winston Churchill born

On November 20, 1874, Sir Winston Churchill was born in Woodstock, England. He would go on to lead the United Kingdom as Prime Minister through World War II. Toward the end of the war, Churchill worked with US President Franklin D. Roosevelt to craft the treaties and accords that have defined the world since WWII. A 2002 poll by the BBC declared Churchill the Greatest Briton of all time.

New Jersey ratifies Bill of Rights

New Jersey ratified the Bill of Rights, a set of 10 fundamental amendments to the US Constitution, on November 20, 1789, becoming the first state to do so. The state also ratified an amendment on federal representation which ultimately failed. Additionally, New Jersey rejected an amendment on congressional salaries, which would eventually become the 27th Amendment more than 200 years later. Read the articles ratified by New Jersey.