Patty Hearst's prison sentence commuted by President Carter

Patty Hearst’s prison sentence commuted by President Carter

January 29, 2010 05:00:00 am

On January 29, 1979, kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst’s seven-year prison sentence for bank robbery as a member of the Symbianese Liberation Army was commuted by President Jimmy Carter.

Hearst was later pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

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.