On September 3, 1838, abolitionist and human rights advocate Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in Baltimore by posing as a free sailor and boarding a train bound for Philadelphia. Read Douglass’ 1881 tract My Escape from Slavery.
On September 3, 1838, abolitionist and human rights advocate Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in Baltimore by posing as a free sailor and boarding a train bound for Philadelphia. Read Douglass’ 1881 tract My Escape from Slavery.
American actress Mae West sentenced to 10 days for obsecenity
American actress Mae West was sentenced to 10 days in jail on April 19, 1927 for her participation in a play she wrote and starred in entitled "Sex." The play depicts the tribulations and adventures of a prostitute named Margy. The New York Police Department raided a performance, and West was charged with obscenity and behavior designed to corrupt the morals of youth. Learn more about West's arrest and sentence from PBS.
Charles Manson sentenced to death
On April 19, 1971, Charles Manson was sentenced to death for ordering the murders of Sharon Tate and others. The sentence was then commuted to life after the Supreme Court of California overturned the death penalty in 1972. Learn more about the trial of Charles Manson from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law.
The Beatles signed 10-year partnership
On April 19, 1967, John, Paul, George and Ringo - aka "The Beatles" - signed a partnership deed agreeing that the group would continue for a (further) period of ten years. When The Beatles split up prematurely in 1970, Paul applied to have the partnership terminated and a receiver appointed.
Read a legal analysis of Paul McCartney’s 1970 lawsuit against John, George and Ringo.
