Canada executed Metis leader for treason

On November 16, 1885, the Canadian government executed Metis leader Louis Riel for high treason in the wake of the “Northwest Rebellion” that had pitted the Metis (descendants of French traders and native tribes) in what is now Saskatchewan against Canadian troops.

Although Riel has lately been rehabilitated as an Indigenous francophone patriot of the Canadian West, his trial and execution remain sore points between English and French Canada.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Shoe-bomber sentenced to life in prison

On January 30, 2003, British-born Richard Reid was sentenced to life in a US prison for attempting to destroy an American passenger plane using a bomb hidden in his shoe. Reid attempted to ignite the explosive device on a flight leaving Miami International Airport bound for Paris on December 21, 2001. Before he could light the fuse, Reid was restrained by passengers and crew on board. Reid was convicted on eight counts, and sentenced to life plus 110 years in prison. Read a copy of the indictment in U.S. v. Reid.

Nixon aides convicted for Watergate burglary

On January 30, 1973, former Nixon aides G. Gordon Liddy and James W. McCord Jr. were convicted of conspiracy, burglary and wiretapping in connection with a politically-motivated break-in at the Watergate hotel.

Read more about Liddy and McCord from the Washington Post.