Historical Events tagged with "law"

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

Civil Aeronautics Authority Established

June 23rd, 1938 86 years ago

The Civil Aeronautics Act was signed into law, creating the Civil Aeronautics Authority to regulate civil aviation in the United States. This act aimed to enhance air travel safety and efficiency while providing a comprehensive regulatory framework to support the growing aviation industry. The Act was a response to the increasing number of commercial flights and the need for federal oversight in a rapidly changing industry, highlighting the government's role in ensuring public safety and fostering economic growth in aviation.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Marihuana Tax Act is Passed in America

August 2nd, 1937 87 years ago

The Marihuana Tax Act imposed strict regulations on cannabis, leading to its criminalization. The Act imposed heavy taxes on the sale and possession of marijuana, effectively making it illegal throughout the United States. The legislation was largely influenced by political figures such as Harry Anslinger and the growing anti-drug sentiments of the time. It marked a pivotal shift in cannabis use in America, moving it from a relatively accepted substance to one associated with criminality and stigma.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Dod Orsborne Convicted for Girl Pat Theft

October 22nd, 1936 88 years ago

Dod Orsborne, the captain of the fishing vessel Girl Pat, was convicted of theft after causing sensational media attention when the boat went missing. The incident captured public interest due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance and Orsborne's subsequent arrest. The drama unfolded with conflicting reports of the boat's fate and accusations against Orsborne, who maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Rainey Bethea's Public Hanging in Owensboro

August 14th, 1936 88 years ago

Rainey Bethea was hanged in Owensboro, Kentucky, marking the last known public execution in the United States. Bethea had been convicted of the rape and murder of an elderly woman, and his execution drew a significant crowd, some of whom celebrated while others lamented. Despite the grim nature of the event, it served as both a spectacle and a solemn farewell to public hangings as a form of capital punishment in the nation.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Guilty Verdict in Lindbergh Baby Case

February 13th, 1935 90 years ago

Bruno Hauptmann was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering the Lindbergh baby, Charles Augustus Lindbergh Jr., the son of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh. The two-year-long saga captivated the nation, starting with the child's abduction from the family's home in Hopewell, New Jersey, in 1932. The trial revealed extensive evidence, including physical evidence from the scene linked to Hauptmann, leading to a swift decision by the jury in Flemington. The verdict was delivered after just over 13 hours of deliberation.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Iceland Legalizes Therapeutic Abortion

January 28th, 1935 90 years ago

Iceland became the first Western country to legalize therapeutic abortion. This groundbreaking law allowed the termination of pregnancies under specific medical conditions, influenced by changes in societal views on women's health and reproductive rights. The legislation marked a significant shift in the recognition of women's autonomy over their bodies, prioritizing health and safety. The new law was passed in response to calls for reform and the assistance of medical professionals advocating for the well-being of women facing difficult pregnancies. It was a pioneering moment in reproductive rights in Western nations.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Federal Communications Commission Established

June 19th, 1934 90 years ago

The Communications Act of 1934 created the FCC to regulate all communications aspects in the United States. This major legislation marked a significant shift in how communications were overseen in the nation, establishing a federal authority intended to ensure efficient and fair communication service for the public. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the act into law following the increasing complexities of radio and telecommunications, echoing the need for an organized governmental body to manage the burgeoning industry.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Nazi Germany Enacts Sterilization Law

January 1st, 1934 91 years ago

A new law aimed at preventing genetically diseased offspring was enacted in Nazi Germany, authorizing the forced sterilization of individuals deemed unfit to reproduce. This legislation reflected the regime's ideology focusing on eugenics and population purity. Healthcare practitioners were given authority to diagnose hereditary diseases, enabling them to carry out the sterilizations without the explicit consent of affected individuals. The enactment aimed at improving the genetic quality of the Aryan population, aligning with the broader racial policies of the Nazi regime.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

End of Prohibition with the Twenty-first Amendment

December 5th, 1933 91 years ago

The repeal of Prohibition was finalized when the Twenty-first Amendment was ratified, allowing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. This moment marked a significant shift in American law and social policy, ending a decade-long experiment with alcohol restriction that had been established by the Eighteenth Amendment. The amendment garnered support from a populace tired of speakeasies and organized crime, ultimately leading to the formal reinstatement of legality for alcoholic beverages.

Continue Reading