William Howard Taft becomes Supreme Court Chief Justice after serving as President

William Howard Taft becomes Supreme Court Chief Justice after serving as President

July 11, 2009 03:00:00 am

On July 11, 1921, William Howard Taft was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He had previously served as US President from 1907 through 1911. Taft is still the only person to have served in both offices.

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.