French agents sink Greenpeace vessel off New Zealand

French agents sink Greenpeace vessel off New Zealand

July 10, 2009 03:00:00 am

On July 10, 1985, French agents bombed the Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior, off the coast of New Zealand, causing it to sink. The incident led to litigation between France and New Zealand in the International Court of Justice.

Learn more about New Zealand v. France from the Institute for International Law and Justice.

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.