Historical Events tagged with "judicial system"

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.

Politics & Government

Lula da Silva Arrested for Corruption Charges

April 7th, 2018 6 years ago

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former president of Brazil, was arrested for corruption under the direction of Judge Sérgio Moro as part of the 'Car-Wash Operation'. Following an extensive investigation that unveiled widespread corruption in Brazil, Lula was sentenced to prison. He spent a total of 580 days incarcerated until the Brazilian Supreme Court decided to release him, citing concerns over the legality of his imprisonment. This case highlighted significant issues related to corruption and political accountability in Brazil.

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Crime & Law

New York's Capital Punishment Declared Unconstitutional

June 24th, 2004 20 years ago

The Court of Appeals of New York ruled that the state's death penalty statute was unconstitutional, leading to the end of capital punishment in New York. This ruling stemmed from concerns about the fairness of the sentencing process and the potential for arbitrary application of the death penalty. The case involved the conviction of several individuals sentenced to death, prompting challenges that ultimately reached the state's highest court. The ruling marked a significant shift in New York's criminal justice system.

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Crime & Law

Judicial Hostage Situation in California Courtroom

August 7th, 1970 54 years ago

A group of armed individuals took California judge Harold Haley hostage in his courtroom as part of a plan to free George Jackson from police custody. The situation escalated when a shootout occurred, resulting in the death of the judge and several other individuals. The incident illuminated the tensions surrounding racial injustice and the radical movements of the time.

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Crime & Law

Rosenbergs Convicted of Espionage Conspiracy

March 29th, 1951 73 years ago

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were found guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage, specifically for allegedly transferring atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. The trial garnered significant public attention and revealed deep fears of espionage during the Cold War era. The Rosenbergs proclaimed their innocence, asserting that they were victims of political persecution. Their trial first began in March 1951, culminating with their conviction, which would have lasting implications for American society and the legal landscape regarding espionage.

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Crime & Law

Supreme Court's Landmark Erie Railroad Ruling

April 25th, 1938 86 years ago

In a pivotal case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tompkins over Erie Railroad. This case challenged the notion of federal common law's supremacy and redefined how federal and state jurisdictions interact in tort claims. Tompkins, who suffered injuries after an accident involving Erie Railroad in Pennsylvania, contended that state law should govern his claim rather than federal common law. The Court's decision abruptly shifted the legal landscape regarding the application of law in diversity cases, emphasizing that federal courts must apply state law in these circumstances.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Jean Calas Dies After Torture and Injustice

March 10th, 1762 263 years ago

Jean Calas, a French Huguenot, faced wrongful conviction for his son's murder. Subjected to torture by authorities seeking a confession, Calas died after enduring severe mistreatment. His trial was marred by religious bias against Protestants, and his plight drew significant attention. Voltaire, appalled by the judicial failures and the brutal treatment of Calas, initiated a campaign advocating for religious tolerance and reforms in the legal system. This tragedy highlighted the severe consequences of intolerance and injustice in 18th century France.

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