Sir Edward Coke born

Sir Edward Coke born

February 1, 2010 05:00:00 am

Sir Edward Coke, Chief Justice of the King’s Bench and author of law reports and commentaries (including, most famously, Coke on Littleton), was born on February 1, 1552.

Learn more about Sir Edward Coke.

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.