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.

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.