Historical Events tagged with "criminal justice"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Foundation of Finnish National Bureau of Investigation

December 30th, 1954 70 years ago

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (KRP) was established to streamline law enforcement across Finland by consolidating various criminal investigation and intelligence units into a single agency. The initiative aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in responding to crime and enhancing public safety. It marked a significant reform in Finland's criminal justice system, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for specialized police forces in tackling progressive crime, particularly organized and international offenses.

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Crime & Law

First Use of Polygraph Evidence in Court

February 2nd, 1935 90 years ago

Leonarde Keeler administered polygraph tests to two murder suspects in a landmark legal case in Chicago. This marked the first instance where polygraph test results were considered admissible in a U.S. courtroom. Keeler's innovative approach aimed to gather scientific evidence to aid law enforcement in solving crimes, paving the way for the integration of psychological techniques in legal processes. The use of the lie detector was a revolutionary step in forensic science, generating intense public interest and debate about its reliability and ethical implications.

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Crime & Law

Sacco and Vanzetti Arrested for Robbery and Murder

May 5th, 1920 104 years ago

Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were arrested in Massachusetts for their alleged involvement in a robbery and murder that occurred in South Braintree. The crime involved the theft of $15,776 from a shoe factory payroll, during which two guards were killed. The case would later become a significant flashpoint for discussions on immigration, politics, and justice in America.

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Crime & Law

End of Penal Transportation to New South Wales

May 22nd, 1840 184 years ago

The British government officially abolished the practice of penal transportation to the New South Wales colony in 1840, marking a significant change in its penal policy. This decision followed a period of growing public debate about the moral implications and effectiveness of transporting convicts to Australia. The cessation aimed to reform the penal system and explore alternative methods of punishment and rehabilitation within Britain.

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