Pakistan becomes world’s first Islamic republic

On March 23, 1956, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan became the world’s first Islamic republic. Unfortunately, democracy in Pakistan collapsed quickly after General Ayub Khan lead a successful coup d’etat. Since that time, Pakistan has vacillated between military and civilian government.

Pakistan was governed by the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan, until it was superseded by the 1973 Constitution, which still serves as the country’s basic law today.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Massachusetts instituted death penalty for heresy

On November 4, 1646, the Massachusetts General Court approved a law requiring all members of the colony to recognize the Bible as the Word of God, under penalty of death.  

Israel PM Yitzhak Rabin assassinated

On November 4, 1995, Yigal Amir shot and killed Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in response to the Oslo Accords peace agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization. Amir was tried and given a life sentence for the murder. Learn more about the trial of Yigal Amir from the New York Times.