First Chief Justice of the United States commissioned

First Chief Justice of the United States commissioned

September 26, 2009 04:00:00 am

On September 26, 1789, John Jay was commissioned as the first Chief Justice of the United States following his confirmation by the Senate.

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.