US Supreme Court ruled death penalty unconstitutional

US Supreme Court ruled death penalty unconstitutional

June 29, 2009 03:00:00 am

On June 29, 1972, in Furman v. Georgia, the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty — as invoked by many states at that time — was unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment contrary to the Eighth Amendment.

THIS DAY @ LAW

India constitution ratified

On January 26, 1950, India ratified its constitution, formally making the new country a republic. On the same day, Rajendra Prasad was inaugurated as the republic's first president. The anniversary is celebrated today as Republic Day in India.

Tennessee became first state to ban alcohol sales

On January 26, 1838, Tennessee became the first US state to pass a law prohibiting the general sale of alcohol; fines paid by lawbreakers were put towards the support of public schools. Read more about the history of Prohibition.