This Day at Law tag:jurist.org,2010-04-20:/thisday//9 2012-09-27T20:41:22Z Movable Type 5.01 Thailand court dismissed charges against suspected Russia arms dealer tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45549 2012-10-05T04:00:00Z 2012-09-27T20:41:22Z On October 5, 2010, the Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed charges of money laundering and fraud that had been brought against suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The court stated that there was insufficient evidence, and other technicalities influenced the decision... Katherine Bacher On October 5, 2010, the Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed charges of money laundering and fraud that had been brought against suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. The court stated that there was insufficient evidence, and other technicalities influenced the decision to drop the charges. The charges had been filed by Thai prosecutors in conjunction with US prosecutors. Bout could face charges in the US for conspiracy to kill US nationals and supporting terrorism.


Emblem of Thailand

Learn more about Viktor Bout from the JURIST news archive.

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      NYC car bomber sentenced to life in prison
      China restricted human organ transplants from prisoners

      ]]> Jury selection began for accused plane bomber tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45550 2012-10-04T04:00:00Z 2012-09-27T16:07:12Z On October 4, 2011, jury selection began for suspected terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who was accused of attempting to bring down a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 with a bomb in his underwear. Abdulmutallab was charged... Katherine Bacher On October 4, 2011, jury selection began for suspected terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who was accused of attempting to bring down a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 with a bomb in his underwear. Abdulmutallab was charged with eight felonies and could face life in prison. Abdulmutallab will be representing himself, and a federal judge ruled that statements made by Abdulmutallab while in a hospital will be admitted during the trial.



      Learn more about terrorism from the JURIST news archive.

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          DOJ sued credit card companies for antitrust violations
          ICC, UN signed cooperation agreement

          ]]> Israel military tribunal convicted soldiers of using boy to search for explosives tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45547 2012-10-03T04:00:00Z 2012-09-27T22:00:46Z On October 3, 2010, two Israeli soldiers were convicted of using a 9-year-old boy to search bags for explosives during the 2008-2009 Gaza war. The boy made a statement to an advocacy group, Defense for Children International, stating that he... Katherine Bacher On October 3, 2010, two Israeli soldiers were convicted of using a 9-year-old boy to search bags for explosives during the 2008-2009 Gaza war. The boy made a statement to an advocacy group, Defense for Children International, stating that he feared the soldiers would kill him if he did not search their bags. The tribunal stated that Israel's Supreme Court had banned the use of human shields and similar tactics, including this situation. The UN Human Rights Council has been addressing reports of human rights concerns during the Gaza war.


          Coat of arms of Israel

          Learn more about the Gaza war from the JURIST news archive.

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              President Bush nominated Harriet Miers to Supreme Court
              Liberia truth commission began gathering witness statements

              ]]> California governor signed bill prohibiting circumcision bans tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45491 2012-10-02T04:00:00Z 2012-09-25T14:05:56Z On October 2, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 768, a bill preventing local governments from banning male circumcision, into law. The law was created as a response to a San Francisco ballot measure called the Male Genital Mutilation... Garrett Eisenhour On October 2, 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 768, a bill preventing local governments from banning male circumcision, into law. The law was created as a response to a San Francisco ballot measure called the Male Genital Mutilation Bill, which prohibited male circumcision. A San Francisco judge had ruled in July 2011 that the measure could not appear on the ballot because it served no legitimate purpose and was preempted by California's Business and Profession Code, prohibiting regulation of medical services.

              Learn more about legal issues surrounding circumcision from the JURIST news archive.


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                  Nine US states sued EPA under Clean Water Act
                  Myanmar court rejected Suu Kyi appeal

                  ]]> Obama reaffirmed support for DOMA repeal tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45490 2012-10-01T04:00:00Z 2012-09-25T14:14:38Z On October 1, 2011, US President Barack Obama gave a speech reaffirming his intent to fight for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Among measures discussed that his administration had undertaken for equal rights, President Obama cited... Garrett Eisenhour On October 1, 2011, US President Barack Obama gave a speech reaffirming his intent to fight for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Among measures discussed that his administration had undertaken for equal rights, President Obama cited the recent repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) on September 20, 2011. In February 2011, Congressional Democrats introduced the Respect for Marriage Act, following the Department of Justice (DOJ) statement that it would no longer defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of DOMA. In September 2012, the DOJ asked the Supreme Court to consider two new challenges to DOMA, bringing the total number pending to four.


                  US President Barack Obama

                  Learn more about DOMA from the JURIST news archive, and read an overview of Same-Sex Marriage in Features.


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                      US financial oversight committee convened for first meeting
                      UN released report on human rights violations in DRC

                      ]]> ICC announced prosecution of suspects for Kenya 2007 post-election violence tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45444 2012-09-30T04:00:00Z 2012-09-21T16:45:25Z On September 30, 2009, International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo announced that the court would be prosecuting those responsible for 2007 post-election violence in Kenya because of the country's failure to establish its own tribunal. Because Kenya is... Kimberly Bennett On September 30, 2009, International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo announced that the court would be prosecuting those responsible for 2007 post-election violence in Kenya because of the country's failure to establish its own tribunal. Because Kenya is a signatory to the Rome Statute, the ICC had jurisdiction over the case in the event that Kenya could not establish an appropriate tribunal. The trials against the four defendants are set to begin in April 2013. The combined charges include rape, murder, forcible transfer and persecution.


                      International Criminal Court

                      Learn more about Kenya from the JURIST news archive, and read an overview of the International Criminal Court in Features.


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                          Federal judge invalidated Nevada ballot initiative petition law
                          India court divided holy site between Hindus and Muslims

                          ]]> Rights groups filed Canadian indictment against Bush for torture tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45443 2012-09-29T04:00:00Z 2012-09-21T17:47:25Z On September 29, 2011, two rights organizations filed an indictment [PDF] against former US president George W. Bush with the Canadian Department of Justice for allegations that he commissioned a torture program during his time in office. The indictment was... Kimberly Bennett On September 29, 2011, two rights organizations filed an indictment [PDF] against former US president George W. Bush with the Canadian Department of Justice for allegations that he commissioned a torture program during his time in office. The indictment was the second of the year; the first was filed in Geneva, Switzerland. In October 2011, however, the Attorney General for British Columbia blocked the lawsuit, prompting outcry that failure to proceed with the lawsuit violated international law.


                          Signing of the Military Commissions Act

                          Learn more about George W. Bush from the JURIST news archive, and read commentary on the Canadian AG's decision from Guest Columnists Matt Eisenbrandt and Katherine Gallagher on JURIST Hotline.


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                              Senators introduced immigration reform bill
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                              ]]> Ivory Coast initiates post-election violence reconciliation commission tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45369 2012-09-28T04:00:00Z 2012-09-19T01:59:25Z On September 28, 2011, the Ivory Coast government launched a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to resolve conflicts from the post-election violence that took place at the beginning of 2011. More than 3,000 people were killed following the election of President... Katherine Bacher On September 28, 2011, the Ivory Coast government launched a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to resolve conflicts from the post-election violence that took place at the beginning of 2011. More than 3,000 people were killed following the election of President Alassane Ouattara. Rights groups called for the government to hear cases regarding those killed by Ouattara forces as well. In April 2011, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Ouattara to investigate atrocities carried out by his forces as they were attempting to secure the presidency.


                              Flag of South Africa

                              Learn more about the Ivory Coast from the JURIST news archive.

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                                  Federal court ruled anti-smoking ads constitutional
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                                  ]]> Rights group urges Thailand to stop targeting civilians tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45368 2012-09-27T04:00:00Z 2012-09-19T02:40:56Z On September 27, 2011, Amnesty International (AI) urged Thailand to stop the deliberate targeting of civilians by insurgents in Southern Thailand. AI released a report describing the attacks and basically called them war crimes. Nearly 5,000 civilians have been killed... Katherine Bacher On September 27, 2011, Amnesty International (AI) urged Thailand to stop the deliberate targeting of civilians by insurgents in Southern Thailand. AI released a report describing the attacks and basically called them war crimes. Nearly 5,000 civilians have been killed in the southern provinces of Thailand as part of an insurgency against the Buddhist Thai state. Thailand has faced continued criticism from the UN for both human trafficking concerns and labor exploration.


                                  Emblem of Thailand

                                  Learn more about human rights issues in Thailand from the JURIST news archive.

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                                      Schwarzenegger signed first US law limiting greenhouse gas emissions
                                      Kosovo president resigned after ruling by constitutional court

                                      ]]> Scotland prosecutors ask Libya NTC for Lockerbie information tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45367 2012-09-26T04:00:00Z 2012-09-19T13:52:27Z On September 26, 2011, Scottish prosecutors asked Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) for assistance in tracking down those involved in the Lockerbie bombing. The Scottish Justice Secretary had released convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi in August 2009... Katherine Bacher On September 26, 2011, Scottish prosecutors asked Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) for assistance in tracking down those involved in the Lockerbie bombing. The Scottish Justice Secretary had released convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi in August 2009 due to his terminal cancer diagnosis. Scottish prosecutors are convinced that Megrahi did not act alone and had been investigating the potential involvement of former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in the incident, which resulted in the deaths of 270 people in December 1988. Megrahi returned to his native country of Libya and died in May 2012.


                                      Flag of Scotland

                                      Learn more about the Lockerbie bombing from the JURIST news archive, and read an overview of The Libya Conflict in Features.

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                                          Federal judge ruled Patriot Act provisions unconstitutional
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                                          ]]> Libya leaders met to discuss formation of interim government tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45280 2012-09-25T04:00:00Z 2012-09-13T01:35:25Z On September 25, 2011, Libyan leaders met to begin discussion regarding the formation of the country's interim government. The week prior, the World Bank had officially recognized the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the official government of Libya. The NTC... Garrett Eisenhour On September 25, 2011, Libyan leaders met to begin discussion regarding the formation of the country's interim government. The week prior, the World Bank had officially recognized the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the official government of Libya. The NTC had responded to an Amnesty International (AI) report alleging that both sides in the Libyan conflict were responsible for human rights abuses. The Libyan General National Congress recently elected Mohamed al-Megaryef, once an opponent to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, as the interim president.


                                          Flag of Libya

                                          Read an overview of The Libya Conflict in Features.


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                                              Obama administration invoked state secrets in targeted killings lawsuit
                                              German president ratified EU reform treaty

                                              ]]> Mubarak trial suspended after former ally testified tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45279 2012-09-24T04:00:00Z 2012-09-13T01:42:52Z On September 24, 2011, the trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was suspended after lawyers representing victims filed motions to change both the location and judge for the trial. The trial was interrupted earlier in the week when violence... Garrett Eisenhour On September 24, 2011, the trial of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was suspended after lawyers representing victims filed motions to change both the location and judge for the trial. The trial was interrupted earlier in the week when violence broke out in the courtroom. Mubarak's trial began in August 2011, with Mubarak and his sons pleading not guilty for murder of protestors. Amnesty International (AI) had reported that at least 840 people were killed during the pro-democratic Egyptian protests.


                                              Flag of Egypt

                                              Read an overview of The Egyptian Revolution in Features.


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                                                  Ninth Circuit ruled VCCR does not grant an individual cause of action
                                                  Israel high court ordered land fund to end religious discrimination

                                                  ]]> US boycotted nuclear test ban treaty tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45286 2012-09-23T04:00:00Z 2012-09-17T15:48:57Z On September 23, 2005, the US completed a three day boycott of a UN conference aimed at encouraging countries to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty [PDF]. The treaty was adopted on September 10, 1996, but has yet to... Kimberly Bennett On September 23, 2005, the US completed a three day boycott of a UN conference aimed at encouraging countries to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty [PDF]. The treaty was adopted on September 10, 1996, but has yet to be entered into force, as not all nuclear-able states have ratified it. India, Pakistan, North Korea, Vietnam and Iran joined the US in boycotting the UN talks. The US signed the treaty but has not ratified it. Debate surrounding the US stance on the treaty continues to be an issue in domestic and international politics.


                                                  Flag of the UN

                                                  Learn more about nuclear non-proliferation in the JURIST news archive.


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                                                      Supreme Court stayed Troy Anthony Davis execution
                                                      Taiwanese ex-president Chen indicted for embezzlement

                                                      ]]> Department of Homeland Security announced "virtual fence" plans tag:jurist.org,2012:/thisday//9.45278 2012-09-22T04:00:00Z 2012-09-13T01:58:56Z On September 22, 2006, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to build a "virtual fence" along the borders with Canada and Mexico for controlling illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The project was to be carried out by... Kimberly Bennett On September 22, 2006, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to build a "virtual fence" along the borders with Canada and Mexico for controlling illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The project was to be carried out by Boeing Corporation, which was awarded a $67 million contract to begin construction of the "fence," which was to consist of cameras, sensors and drones. The project faced many delays, and the first phase of the project was not expected to be completed until three years after original estimations. On April 23, 2008, however, DHS announced that it would be discontinuing the project after already spending $1 billion, describing it as ineffective and costly.

                                                      Read an overview of US Immigration Law in Features.