Civil Rights Act of 1875 became law

On March 1, 1875, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 became law. It declared that all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of inns, public conveyances on land or water, theaters, and other places of public amusement, subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law. In 1883, in the Civil Rights Cases, the US Supreme Court ruled the 1875 Act unconstitutional and unauthorized by either the 13th or 14th Amendments. Congress passed no more civil rights legislation until 1957.

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.