Law in History
Explore 503 historical moments related to law — from pivotal breakthroughs to world-changing events.
📅 16th Century(1)
📅 18th Century(1)
📅 19th Century(3)
Act of Union creates the United Kingdom
The Acts of Union take effect, uniting Great Britain and Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Solomon Northup regains his freedom
Solomon Northup is freed after being kidnapped and sold into slavery, an ordeal he later recounts in Twelve Years a Slave.
Emancipation Proclamation takes effect
President Abraham Lincoln's executive order frees enslaved people in Confederate states, reshaping the purpose of the Civil War.
📅 20th Century(224)
Norway dissolves union with Sweden
Norway peacefully dissolved its union with Sweden, marking the establishment of Norway as an independent nation.
New Mexico becomes the 47th U.S. state
New Mexico is admitted to the Union as the 47th state, expanding the modern map of the United States.
First Woman Enlists in US Marine Corps
Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
Assassination of Kurt Eisner
Bavarian socialist Kurt Eisner, who had established Bavaria as a republic, was assassinated.
Palmer Raids lead to mass arrests across the United States
Federal authorities carry out one of the largest Palmer Raids, arresting thousands of suspected radicals in cities across the United States.
Washington Naval Treaty signed
Representatives from five major powers signed the Washington Naval Treaty, agreeing to limits on naval construction. The treaty aimed to prevent a naval arms race.
Martin Luther King Jr. born
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia. He would become the most prominent leader of the civil rights movement.
Hitler Appointed Chancellor
Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. This appointment paved the way for the Nazi Party's consolidation of power.
First Nazi concentration camp opened
The first Nazi concentration camp was opened in Nohra to reduce overcrowding in prisons from the arrest of German Communists.
Toledo Auto-Lite strike violence
A violent confrontation occurred between thousands of strikers and sheriff's deputies during a strike against the Electric Auto-Lite company in Toledo, Ohio.
Essential Commodities Reserves Act
The Essential Commodities Reserves Act, allowing the British government to build up reserves in anticipation of war, received royal assent.
Racial tensions lead to fatal shooting in England
Amid racial tensions, U.S. Army military police shot and killed a black serviceman after a confrontation at a pub in Bamber Bridge, England.
Heinrich Himmler orders Romani to concentration camps
In the Romani Holocaust, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler ordered that the Romani were to be put "on the same level as Jews and placed in concentration camps".
Heinrich Himmler orders crackdown on Edelweiss Pirates
Heinrich Himmler ordered a crackdown on the Edelweiss Pirates, a nonconformist youth group that assisted army deserters and others hiding from the Nazis.
Sicilian separatist attack on May Day marchers
Sicilian separatist Salvatore Giuliano and his gang fired into a crowd of May Day marchers near Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily. The attack killed 11 and wounded 33.
Israeli Declaration of Independence
David Ben-Gurion publicly read the Israeli Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv.
Klaus Fuchs convicted
German-British physicist Klaus Fuchs was convicted of supplying information from the Manhattan Project to the Soviet Union.
First Australian Parliament opens
The first Parliament of Australia was opened by King George VI. This marked a significant step in the nation's governance.
Woodbridge train derailment
A train derailed while crossing a temporary wooden trestle in Woodbridge, New Jersey, resulting in 85 fatalities. This was a devastating transportation disaster.
Bengali Language Movement protests
Student protesters demanding Bengali as an official language were killed by police in Dhaka, East Pakistan.
Lord Ismay appointed NATO Secretary General
British diplomat Lord Ismay was appointed the first secretary general of NATO.
Guatemalan Revolution Land Reform
The Guatemalan Congress passed Decree 900, redistributing unused land greater than 224 acres in area to local peasants.
Knowsley Hall Shootings
A footman shot and killed two colleagues and wounded the lady of the house at Knowsley Hall, England.
Great Smog of London begins
The "Great Smog of London" began and lasted for five days. It caused 12,000 deaths and led to the Clean Air Act 1956.
Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas commits suicide
In the midst of a political crisis, Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas fatally shot himself in the Catete Palace in Rio de Janeiro.
Rosa Parks arrested
Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
Formation of Indian States
Under the States Reorganisation Act, the Indian states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka were formally established.
Little Rock Nine integration
Governor Orval Faubus deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African-American students from attending Little Rock Central High School.
Preston Bypass opens
Britain's first motorway, the Preston Bypass, opened to the public.
Holcomb, Kansas murders
Two men murdered a family in Holcomb, Kansas; the events became the subject of Truman Capote's non-fiction novel In Cold Blood, a pioneering work of the true crime genre.
National Airlines Flight 2511 bombing
National Airlines Flight 2511, traveling from New York City to Miami, exploded in mid-air due to a bomb placed by an unknown party. All 34 people on board were killed.
Adolf Eichmann sentenced to death
Former Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death after being found guilty on fifteen criminal charges. These included war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Spy Exchange
Soviet spy Rudolf Abel was exchanged for American pilot Francis Gary Powers on February 10, 1962. Powers had been shot down over Soviet airspace two years prior.
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers 'I Have a Dream' speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
MLK's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
John F. Kennedy assassinated
U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
In response to white clergymen, Martin Luther King Jr. penned the Letter from Birmingham Jail, defending nonviolent resistance against racism.
16th Street Baptist Church bombing
The Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four girls were killed and at least 14 others were injured.
Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty takes effect
The Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty went into effect. It prohibits all test detonations of nuclear weapons except for those conducted underground.
Surgeon General Warns of Smoking Dangers
U.S. surgeon general Luther Terry issued a warning that tobacco smoking may be hazardous to health, linking it to lung cancer and other illnesses.
Prince Edward Island's Provincial Flag Act
Royal assent was given to Prince Edward Island's Provincial Flag Act on March 24, 1964. The act detailed the design of the province's official flag.
Raid on gay bar near Chicago
109 individuals were arrested in a police raid on a gay bar near Chicago.
Hildegard Trabant killed at Berlin Wall
East German Communist Party member Hildegard Trabant was killed while attempting to cross the Berlin Wall.
Warren Commission report released
The Warren Commission released its report to the U.S. president, concluding that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Assassination of Malcolm X
Malcolm X, an American Black nationalist, was assassinated while delivering a speech in New York City.
Griswold v. Connecticut
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Griswold v. Connecticut that a Connecticut law prohibiting the use of contraceptives violated the "right to marital privacy".
Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, prompting grief and unrest across the United States.
Orangeburg Massacre
Law enforcement officers in Orangeburg, South Carolina, fired into a crowd of protesting college students. Three students were killed and twenty-seven others were injured.
Stonewall Inn raid
Demonstrations by gay and transgender people began on June 28, 1969, in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, marking a watershed moment for the gay rights movement.
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act signed
U.S. President Richard Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law, mandating surgeon general warnings on cigarette packaging.
Women's Strike for Equality
Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women organized the Women's Strike for Equality in New York City, in which 50,000 women protested the continuing lack of gender equality.
Yukio Mishima commits ritual suicide
After failing to instigate a military coup to restore the powers of the Emperor of Japan, author Yukio Mishima and a member of his militia committed ritual suicide. This event is known as the Mishima Incident.
Turkish coup by memorandum
The Turkish Armed Forces executed a "coup by memorandum", forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel.
San Quentin Prison Riot
Six people were killed during an escape attempt and riot at San Quentin State Prison in California. The subsequent trial of six inmates was the longest in state history at the time.
D. B. Cooper hijacks airplane
D. B. Cooper parachuted out of a hijacked airplane over the Pacific Northwest on November 24, 1971, after collecting a $200,000 ransom, and disappeared.
Flyers-Blues brawl
A brawl broke out between players, fans, and police officers during an ice hockey game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the St. Louis Blues in Philadelphia.
Loddon Bridge construction collapse
Three people were killed when falsework collapsed during the construction of the Loddon Bridge. The disaster led to reforms in UK construction practices.
Hijacking of SAS Flight 130
Three members of the Croatian National Resistance hijacked Scandinavian Airlines System Flight 130. They sought the release of individuals arrested for assassinating the Yugoslav ambassador.
Miller v. California Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court established the Miller test for obscenity in the landmark case Miller v. California.
Spiro Agnew resigns
U.S. vice president Spiro Agnew resigned from his position. This followed charges of tax evasion.
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Kissinger and Thọ
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize would be jointly awarded to Henry Kissinger and Lê Đức Thọ, sparking international controversy.
Washington, D.C. Home Rule Granted
The U.S. Congress granted home rule to Washington, D.C., allowing residents to elect their own mayor and city council.
Watergate scandal breaks
The Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. It involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up.
Watergate scandal escalates
The Watergate scandal intensified with the resignation of key aides, marking a significant moment in American political history.
Trans Rights Conference Opens in Leeds
Transvestism and Transsexualism in Modern Society, the UK's first trans-rights conference, opened with an evening reception in Leeds.
Amityville murders
Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed six members of his family in Amityville, New York, events that later inspired the book The Amityville Horror and a subsequent media franchise.
Alvor Agreement Signed
Portugal and nationalist factions UNITA, MPLA, and FNLA signed the Alvor Agreement, ending the Angolan War of Independence.
Icelandic women's strike
Ninety percent of Iceland's female population went on strike for a day. The strike was a protest against wage discrepancy and unfair employment practices.
Mayaguez Incident
On May 12, 1975, the Cambodian navy seized the American container ship SS Mayaguez in what they claimed to be Cambodian territorial waters. This incident led to a military response from the United States.
Pulitzer Prize-winning photo 'Fire Escape Collapse' taken
Stanley Forman took the Pulitzer Prize–winning photo 'Fire Escape Collapse'. The image spurred action to improve the safety of fire escapes across the United States.
Squeaky Fromme attempts to assassinate Gerald Ford
Squeaky Fromme, a devotee of Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate U.S. president Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California.
Spaghetti House Siege
An attempted robbery at the Spaghetti House restaurant in London escalated into a six-day hostage crisis.
Neo-fascist attack in Madrid
During the Spanish transition to democracy, neo-fascists attacked an office in Madrid, killing five people and injuring four others.
Washington D.C. Hostage Standoff
Twelve gunmen seized three buildings in Washington, D.C., taking 149 hostages. The standoff lasted 39 hours and ended with two deaths.
Ford Pinto Fuel Leak Investigation
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation into the Ford Pinto's vulnerability to fuel leakage and fire in rear-end collisions.
Golden Dragon massacre
The Golden Dragon massacre occurred in Chinatown, San Francisco, resulting in five deaths and prompting police action against gang violence.
God Defend New Zealand National Anthem
"God Defend New Zealand" became New Zealand's second national anthem, sharing equal standing with "God Save the King".
Camp David Accords signed
The Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, were signed.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 28, 1978, barring quota systems in college admissions but upholding affirmative-action programs for minorities.
Death of Blair Peach
Blair Peach, a New Zealand teacher, was fatally injured during a demonstration against a National Front election meeting in London.
Journalist Bill Stewart Executed
American journalist Bill Stewart was executed by Nicaraguan Guardia forces.
Jeremy Thorpe acquitted
Former British Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe was acquitted of conspiracy to murder Norman Scott. Scott had accused Thorpe of having a relationship with him.
Tellico Dam project completed
The Tellico Dam project by the Tennessee Valley Authority is completed despite a Supreme Court order to shut down.
Assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero
Archbishop Óscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass in San Salvador on March 24, 1980. This occurred one day after he pleaded with soldiers to stop government repression.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse
Part of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida collapsed after being struck by the MV Summit Venture. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 35 people.
Harvey's Resort Hotel Bombing
A bomb was planted at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, which the FBI later described as the most complex improvised explosive device ever created.
Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan
John Hinckley Jr. shot and wounded U.S. President Ronald Reagan and three others outside the Washington Hilton.
Shots Fired at Queen Elizabeth II
During the Trooping the Colour ceremony, Marcus Sarjeant fired six blank shots at Queen Elizabeth II as she rode down The Mall.
Nestor Pirotte murders antiques dealer
On September 18, 1981, Belgian serial killer Nestor Pirotte murdered an antiques dealer in Brussels while posing as an aristocrat. He was subsequently sentenced to death for the crime.
Sandra Day O'Connor Appointed to Supreme Court
Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Mumia Abu-Jamal arrested for murder
Mumia Abu-Jamal was arrested for the murder of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner; his subsequent conviction and death sentence generated controversy in the United States.
Canada Act 1982 Royal Assent
Queen Elizabeth II granted royal assent to the Canada Act 1982, ending Canada's constitutional dependence on the United Kingdom.
Holocaust and Genocide Conference
The International Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide, the first major conference in genocide studies, opened despite Turkish attempts to cancel it.
Vincent Chin beaten to death
Chinese American Vincent Chin died after being beaten into a coma by two automotive workers angry about Japanese auto company success.
Kim Duk-koo boxing death
South Korean boxer Kim Duk-koo suffered fatal brain injuries during a match with American Ray Mancini in Las Vegas, leading to significant rule changes in the sport.
Harold Washington elected Mayor of Chicago
Harold Washington was elected as the first African-American mayor of Chicago on April 12, 1983.
Singaporean activist executed
Singaporean communist activist Tan Chay Wa was executed on January 18, 1983. This led to a widely publicized trial of his brother for engraving "subversive" material on the gravestone.
Shergar stolen
The Irish-bred racehorse Shergar was stolen by gunmen. They demanded a £2 million ransom for his return.
Publication of Forged Hitler Diaries
The West German news magazine Stern published excerpts from what were claimed to be Adolf Hitler's diaries. These documents were later exposed as forgeries.
Execution of Mona Mahmudnizhad
An Iranian teenager and nine other women were hanged in Shiraz for their membership in the Baháʼí Faith.
Maze Prison escape
Thirty-eight Provisional Irish Republican Army prisoners hijacked a meals lorry and escaped from HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland. This was one of the largest prison escapes in British history.
Brink's-Mat Robbery
Six robbers broke into a Brink's-Mat warehouse at Heathrow Airport in London and stole £26 million in gold, diamonds and cash.
Raúl Alfonsín becomes President of Argentina
Raúl Alfonsín became the first democratically elected president of Argentina to take office after more than seven years of military dictatorship. His inauguration was on December 10, 1983.
Yvonne Fletcher killed outside Libyan embassy
Metropolitan Police officer Yvonne Fletcher was shot and killed during a protest outside the Libyan embassy in London. This led to an 11-day siege and a breakdown in relations between Libya and the UK.
Vanessa Williams Resigns as Miss America
Vanessa Williams, the first African-American Miss America, was forced to resign after nude photos were published. This event marked a significant moment in the pageant's history.
Rajneesh movement bioterror attack
Followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh deliberately infected people in The Dalles, Oregon, with Salmonella. This was the first and largest bioterrorist attack in United States history.
Velma Barfield Executed
The serial killer Velma Barfield became the first woman to be executed in the United States since 1962.
UNESCO names first World Heritage Sites
UNESCO's World Heritage program begins recognizing its first sites, marking a milestone in global cultural and natural preservation.
Mengele's Remains Exhumed
The remains of Josef Mengele, a Nazi physician notorious for performing human experiments on Auschwitz inmates, were exhumed in Embu das Artes, Brazil.
Ryan White denied school re-admission
Ryan White, an HIV/AIDS patient, was denied re-admission to his school after contracting the disease from hemophilia treatments.
Aeroflot Flight 101/435 hijacked
Aeroflot Flight 101/435 was hijacked by its co-pilot; it landed in a cow pasture in China, where he was apprehended.
Zidovudine approved for HIV/AIDS
The antiretroviral drug zidovudine became the first treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for HIV/AIDS on March 20, 1987.
R. Budd Dwyer suicide during press conference
Convicted of bribery, Pennsylvania state treasurer R. Budd Dwyer committed suicide during a televised press conference on January 22, 1987.
Civil rights demonstration in Georgia
About 20,000 protestors marched in a civil rights demonstration in Forsyth County, Georgia, United States.
Mary Gaudron appointed to High Court of Australia
Mary Gaudron became the first woman appointed as a justice to the High Court of Australia. This marked a significant milestone for women in law.
Operation Pretense Corruption Indictments
Federal agents issued indictments against county supervisors in Mississippi following Operation Pretense. The operation exposed massive corruption in the state's local governments.
Hindu–Muslim riots in Meerut
During Hindu–Muslim rioting in Meerut, India, 19 members of the Provincial Armed Constabulary allegedly massacred 42 Muslims. Their bodies were dumped in water canals.
Mathias Rust lands in Moscow
West German aviator Mathias Rust flew his Cessna 172 through Soviet air defenses, landing near Red Square in Moscow.
Jonathan Pollard pleads guilty to spying
American intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard pleaded guilty to charges of spying for Israel.
MV Doña Paz disaster
The MV Doña Paz sank after colliding with an oil tanker in the Philippines on December 20, 1987. This resulted in an estimated 4,385 deaths, making it the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history.
Evan Mecham Impeachment
Evan Mecham, Governor of Arizona, was removed from office after being convicted in his impeachment trial.
Section 28 enacted in UK
Section 28 of the Local Government Act, a controversial law prohibiting the 'promotion' of homosexuality by local authorities, was enacted in the United Kingdom.
Civil Liberties Act of 1988
The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 became law, authorizing reparations to surviving Japanese Americans interned during World War II.
British broadcasting voice restrictions
The British government restricted the broadcast of the voices of representatives from Sinn Féin and several Irish republican and loyalist paramilitary groups on television and radio.
Ordzhonikidze Bus Hijacking
Five armed men hijacked a bus carrying schoolchildren and a teacher in Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz, Russia). They were later given an aircraft and ransom for the release of the hostages.
Clapham Junction rail crash
Three trains collided near Clapham Junction railway station in London, killing 35 people and injuring 484 others.
Stockton schoolyard shooting
Patrick Purdy opened fire in an elementary school in Stockton, California, killing 5 and wounding 32 others.
Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer
American actress Rebecca Schaeffer was shot and killed by Robert John Bardo. This event prompted the passage of anti-stalking laws in California.
Mongolian Democratic Union formed
At the first open pro-democracy demonstration in Mongolia, journalist Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj announced the formation of the Mongolian Democratic Union. This union was instrumental in ending communist rule and occurred on December 10, 1989.
Lithuania declares independence from the Soviet Union
Lithuania becomes the first Soviet republic to declare the restoration of its independence.
Same-sex marriage licenses sought in Hawaii
American gay rights activist William E. Woods brought three same-sex couples to fill out marriage licenses in Honolulu. This was a significant action in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Marion Barry arrested for drug possession
During an FBI sting operation, Marion Barry, the mayor of Washington, D.C., was arrested for possession of crack cocaine. The event took place on January 18, 1990.
Farzad Bazoft Hanged
Iraqi authorities hanged Iranian freelance reporter Farzad Bazoft on charges of spying for Israel.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft
Thieves stole thirteen artworks valued at $500 million from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.
Strangeways Prison riot begins
The longest prison riot in British history began at Strangeways Prison in Manchester, lasting for 25 days.
Paperback Software copyright infringement
Paperback Software was found guilty of copyright infringement on June 28, 1990, for using Lotus 1-2-3's interface in its own spreadsheet program.
Taiwanese Deportation Incident
The Taiwanese military ordered the deportation of dozens of illegal immigrants from mainland China in sealed boat holds, causing 25 deaths due to suffocation.
General Schwarzkopf Issues Order No. 1
Gulf War: US General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. issued General Order No. 1 prohibiting US troops from consuming alcohol or possessing pornographic material.
Guangzhou airport plane collision
A hijacked airliner collided with two other planes while attempting to land at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, killing 128 and injuring 71.
Meir Kahane assassinated
Israeli ultra-nationalist rabbi Meir Kahane was assassinated in a New York City hotel by an Arab gunman.
Andrei Chikatilo Arrested
Andrei Chikatilo, a notorious Soviet serial killer, was arrested in Novocherkassk on November 20, 1990. He is considered one of the most prolific serial killers in Soviet history.
Victoria Cross for Australia Instituted
The Victoria Cross for Australia was instituted, making Australia the first Commonwealth realm with a separate Victoria Cross award.
Jaycee Dugard kidnapping
Eleven-year-old Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped in South Lake Tahoe, California, and remained a captive until 2009.
Jeffrey Dahmer arrested
American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Police discovered human remains in his apartment.
Libero Grassi murdered
Italian businessman Libero Grassi was killed by the Sicilian Mafia in Palermo. He had taken a public stand against their extortion demands.
Deadly fire at North Carolina chicken plant
A fire killed 25 people locked inside a burning chicken processing plant in Hamlet, North Carolina. The incident highlighted workplace safety issues.
Tailhook scandal allegations
At the Tailhook Association symposium in Las Vegas on September 8, 1991, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators were alleged to have sexually assaulted 90 persons.
Killeen, Texas shooting
A man drove his vehicle through the window of a Luby's Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas, and opened fire, killing 23 people before fatally shooting himself.
Madrid Conference
The Madrid Conference, an attempt by the international community to revive the Israeli–Palestinian peace process through negotiations, convened on October 30, 1991.
John Gotti convicted
John Gotti, head of the Gambino crime family, was convicted of racketeering, murder, and other charges. He was a prominent figure in organized crime in New York City.
Twenty-seventh Amendment ratified in the US
The Twenty-seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This occurred 202 years after it was first proposed.
Westray Mine disaster
An underground methane explosion at the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia killed all 26 coal miners working at the time. The disaster occurred in Plymouth.
Via D'Amelio bombing
A car bomb killed the anti-Mafia judge Paolo Borsellino and five policemen in Palermo, Italy. This occurred less than two months after the murder of Borsellino's friend and colleague Giovanni Falcone.
Herzeg-Bosnia declared unconstitutional
The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared the breakaway Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia to be unconstitutional on September 14, 1992.
Oba Chandler arrested for triple murder
Oba Chandler was arrested for a triple murder in Florida, three years after the crime, when his neighbor identified handwriting samples from local billboards.
Yoshihiro Hattori shooting
Yoshihiro Hattori, a Japanese exchange student, was shot and killed by a homeowner after going to the wrong house for a Halloween party.
Dietrich v The Queen ruling
The High Court of Australia ruled that a judge should grant any request for an adjournment or stay in most circumstances in which an accused is unrepresented.
Czechoslovakia dissolves
Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Nancy Kerrigan attack
Two-time American Olympic figure-skating medalist Nancy Kerrigan was hit on the leg with a police baton by an assailant hired by the ex-husband of her rival Tonya Harding.
Execution of John Wayne Gacy
On May 10, 1994, American serial killer John Wayne Gacy was executed by lethal injection for the murders of twelve young men committed between 1972 and 1978.
Agreed Framework Signed
North Korea and the United States signed the Agreed Framework to limit North Korea's nuclear weapons program and normalize relations.
Israel and Jordan sign peace treaty
Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty on October 26, 1994, settling relations between the two countries. They pledged not to allow their territory to be used for military strikes by a third country.
Hebron massacre
Israeli physician Baruch Goldstein opened fire on Palestinian Muslims praying at the Cave of the Patriarchs, killing 29 and wounding 125.
FedEx Flight 705 Hijacking Attempt
A FedEx employee tried to hijack Federal Express Flight 705 in a failed suicide attempt.
Michael Fay caned in Singapore
American teenager Michael P. Fay was caned in Singapore for theft and vandalism. The United States deemed the punishment excessive for a non-violent crime.
Loughinisland massacre
During The Troubles, Ulster Volunteer Force members attacked a crowded bar in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland, killing six people.
USAir Flight 427 crashes
USAir Flight 427 crashed on approach to Pittsburgh International Airport on September 8, 1994, resulting in 132 deaths. This led to the longest accident investigation in NTSB history.
Schengen Agreement takes effect
The Schengen Agreement comes into force in several European countries, easing passport-free travel across internal borders.
Barings Bank collapse
Barings Bank, London's oldest merchant bank, became insolvent after Nick Leeson lost £827 million in unauthorized trades. Leeson was the head derivatives trader in Singapore.
Oklahoma City Bombing
A truck bombing destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people and injuring more than 680 others.
Rajneesh followers convicted of assassination plot
Two followers of the Indian mystic Rajneesh were convicted of a 1985 plot to assassinate Charles Turner. Turner was the U.S. attorney for the District of Oregon.
Rape incident in Okinawa
Three U.S. servicemen stationed at Camp Hansen in Okinawa were involved in the kidnapping, assault, and rape of a 12-year-old local girl.
Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Yigal Amir at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. The assassination occurred at Kings of Israel Square.
Attempted assassination of Jean Chrétien
Aline Chrétien thwarted André Dallaire's attempt to assassinate her husband, Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien, by locking the bedroom door.
Execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa
Writer and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others were executed by the Nigerian military regime. They were members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People.
NATO-led IFOR begins peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The NATO-led Implementation Force began peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina on December 20, 1995. This was mandated by the Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War.
Faucett Flight 251 Crash
In the deadliest aviation accident in Peruvian history, Faucett Flight 251 crashed on approach to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport. All 123 people aboard were killed.
Niger coup d'état
Mahamane Ousmane, Niger's first democratically elected president, was deposed in a military coup on January 27, 1996.
Silver Spring train collision
Eleven people died in a train collision in Silver Spring, Maryland, leading to new federal rules for passenger car design.
Dunblane massacre
A mass shooting at a primary school in Dunblane, Scotland, killed 16 children and a teacher. The event led to tighter gun control in the United Kingdom.
Lee Teng-hui Elected President of Taiwan
Lee Teng-hui was elected President of the Republic of China. This marked Taiwan's first direct presidential election.
Blake Brockington
Blake Brockington was an American trans man and activist.
Romer v. Evans
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Colorado constitutional amendment preventing protected legal status for homosexuals or bisexuals.
Montana Freemen standoff
After an 81-day standoff sparked by their refusal to be evicted from their foreclosed property in Jordan, Montana, the Christian Patriot group Montana Freemen surrendered to the FBI on June 14, 1996.
Tupac Shakur shot
American rapper Tupac Shakur was shot by an unknown assailant in Las Vegas. He died from his injuries six days later.
Defense of Marriage Act passed
The Defense of Marriage Act was passed by the United States Congress. It prohibited federal recognition of same-sex marriage, while allowing states to adopt any marital definition of their choosing.
Abdullah Çatlı killed in car crash
Abdullah Çatlı, a leader of the ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves, was killed in a car crash near Susurluk, Turkey. The incident sparked a scandal exposing state complicity in organized crime.
Oakland AAVE Resolution
The school board of Oakland, California, passed a controversial resolution on December 18, 1996, officially declaring African-American Vernacular English to be a separate language or dialect.
Newt Gingrich Reprimanded
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to reprimand Newt Gingrich for ethics violations, making him the first Speaker of the House to be so disciplined.
Madeleine Albright Sworn In
Madeleine Albright was sworn in as the first female United States Secretary of State, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at that time.
Chemical Weapons Convention Enters into Force
The Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force, outlawing the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. This was ratified by 87 countries.
UK bans beef on the bone
Amid an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, the British government banned the sale of beef on the bone for human consumption.
SilkAir Flight 185 crashes
SilkAir Flight 185 crashed into the Musi River in Indonesia, killing 104 people.
Drudge Report Breaks Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal
The Drudge Report became the first news source to publicly break the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal.
Karla Faye Tucker executed
Karla Faye Tucker became the first woman executed in the United States since 1984. This occurred despite an international movement advocating for her sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment.
Trisakti University Shootings
On May 12, 1998, four students were shot and killed by Indonesian soldiers at Trisakti University in Jakarta. This event led to widespread riots and the resignation of President Suharto nine days later.
Public Prosecutor v Taw Cheng Kong
The Court of Appeal of Singapore overruled a High Court decision in Public Prosecutor v Taw Cheng Kong. This was the only time a statute in Singapore had been ruled unconstitutional.
Terry Nichols sentencing
Terry Nichols was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing.
Murder of James Byrd Jr.
White supremacists murdered James Byrd Jr. by chaining him behind a pickup truck and dragging him along an asphalt road in Jasper, Texas.
Gunman opens fire at US Capitol
A gunman entered the United States Capitol and opened fire, killing two police officers.
ICANN incorporated
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was incorporated to manage internet domain names and IP addresses.
Matthew Shepard attacked
Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, was attacked and fatally wounded near Laramie, Wyoming, U.S., dying six days later.
Noof Al Maadeed
Qatari women's rights activist Noof Al Maadeed was born.
Jack Kevorkian Trial
A jury began deliberations in the trial of Jack Kevorkian, who was charged with murder for his role in physician-assisted suicide. He was accused in the death of a terminally ill patient.
House of Lords Act 1999
The House of Lords Act was given royal assent, removing most hereditary peers from the British House of Lords.
Amadou Diallo shooting
Four plain-clothes New York City police officers shot and killed Amadou Diallo, an unarmed 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea, prompting outrage both in and outside the city.
Columbine High School massacre
Students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold carried out a massacre at Columbine High School, resulting in 13 deaths before they committed suicide.
Taber School Shooting
A 14-year-old former student opened fire at his high school in Taber, Alberta, Canada. This event resulted in one student fatality and marked Canada's first fatal school shooting in over two decades.
KFOR enters Kosovo
In the aftermath of the bombing of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo War, the NATO-led Kosovo Force entered Kosovo with a mandate to establish a secure environment.
Scottish Devolution
Legislative powers in Scotland were first devolved from the Scottish Office in London to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Tulia drug arrests
In Tulia, Texas, 47 people were arrested for dealing cocaine. Years later, 35 of the 47 were pardoned by the Governor of Texas.
Japan Adopts National Flag and Anthem Act
The Act on National Flag and Anthem was adopted, formally establishing the Hinomaru and "Kimigayo" as the Japanese national flag and anthem.
Der Spiegel Report on Liechtenstein
German newspaper Der Spiegel published a report by the Federal Intelligence Service accusing figures in Liechtenstein of cooperating with organized crime.
RIAA Sues Napster
The Recording Industry Association of America filed a lawsuit against the peer-to-peer file sharing network Napster. The lawsuit, filed on December 6, 1999, alleged that the service facilitated widespread copyright infringement.
Portugal transfers Macau to China
Portugal transferred the sovereignty over Macau to China on December 20, 1999. Portugal had administered Macau since the mid-16th century.
Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone
In accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.
Massacre in Grozny
Russian forces executed at least 60 civilians in the Novye Aldi suburb of Grozny during the final stages of the Battle of Grozny.
US v. Microsoft Antitrust Ruling
In United States v. Microsoft Corp., Microsoft was found to have violated antitrust law by bundling Internet Explorer with its Windows operating system.
Elián González raid
In a pre-dawn raid, U.S. federal agents seized six-year-old Elián González from his relatives' home in Miami. He was returned to his Cuban father.
Enschede fireworks disaster
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Enschede, Netherlands, caused 23 deaths and approximately €450 million in damages.
Operation Barras
British forces freed soldiers and civilians held captive by the West Side Boys, contributing to the end of the Sierra Leone Civil War.
Hatfield rail crash
A fatal rail crash at Hatfield, Hertfordshire, led to widespread speed limit reductions and the collapse of Railtrack.
Hillary Clinton Elected US Senator
Hillary Clinton was elected as a US senator from New York. This marked the first time a first lady had been elected to public office.
Bush v. Gore Supreme Court ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bush v. Gore that the recount of ballots cast in Florida for the presidential election be stopped, effectively making George W. Bush the winner.
📅 21th Century(274)
Enron Files for Bankruptcy
The Texas-based energy firm Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, less than two months after disclosing accounting violations. This evaporated nearly $11 billion in shareholder wealth.
Patriot Act signed into law
President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act into law on October 26, 2001. This act significantly expanded the authority of U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Shijiazhuang Bombings
A series of bomb blasts in Shijiazhuang, China, on March 16, 2001, resulted in the deaths of 108 people.
Same-sex marriage legalized in the Netherlands
Same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands, making it the first country in the world to do so.
Dos Palmas kidnappings
Twenty tourists were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants in Palawan, Philippines. This triggered a hostage crisis that lasted for over a year.
Timothy McVeigh Executed
Timothy McVeigh, who detonated a truck bomb in front of the Oklahoma federal building, was executed by lethal injection for using a weapon of mass destruction, among other charges.
Phoolan Devi assassinated
Phoolan Devi, a serving Member of Parliament, was assassinated by shooting in New Delhi, India.
Anthrax mailings begin
On September 18, 2001, five letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to various media outlets in the United States. This marked the beginning of a series of bioterrorism attacks.
Murder of Ross Parker
Several British Muslim youths in Peterborough, England, murdered 17-year-old Ross Parker. This led to debate over whether the British media failed to cover racially motivated crimes with white victims.
Assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi
Rehavam Ze'evi, the Israeli minister of tourism, was assassinated in revenge for the killing of PFLP leader Abu Ali Mustafa.
Shoe Bomb Attempt
On December 22, 2001, Richard Reid unsuccessfully attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoe on a transatlantic flight from Paris to Miami.
Daniel Pearl Kidnapping
American journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and later murdered by al-Qaeda agents in Karachi, Pakistan.
First Reported Data Breach
In the first reported data breach, 250,000 social security numbers collected by the State of California were stolen from a data center.
2002 Venezuelan coup attempt
In a coup attempt, members of the Venezuelan military detained President Hugo Chávez and demanded his resignation.
Chandra Levy remains found
Skeletal remains of Federal Bureau of Prisons intern Chandra Levy were found in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. She had been missing for a year.
London Underground Ricin Plot Arrests
The Metropolitan Police arrested six people in conjunction with an alleged terrorist plot to release ricin on the London Underground, although no toxin was found.
Illinois Governor Commutes Death Sentences
Following the discovery of Jon Burge's extraction of forced confessions, the governor of Illinois commuted the death sentences of 167 prisoners and pardoned four others.
Lawrence v. Texas
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws nationwide in the landmark decision Lawrence v. Texas.
French operation to rescue Íngrid Betancourt aborted
French Directorate General for External Security personnel aborted an operation to rescue Colombian politician Íngrid Betancourt from FARC guerrillas, resulting in a political scandal.
Roy Moore suspended as Chief Justice
Roy Moore, Alabama's chief justice, was suspended for refusing to comply with a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument.
Guinea-Bissau military coup
President Kumba Ialá of Guinea-Bissau was deposed in a bloodless military coup on September 14, 2003.
Gary Ridgway pleads guilty
American serial killer Gary Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 counts of first-degree murder.
Massachusetts legalizes same-sex marriage
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, making the state the first in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage.
Istanbul Bombings
Suicide bombers attacked the British consulate and HSBC Bank in Istanbul on November 20, 2003, killing 31 people. Among the victims were consul general Roger Short and actor Kerem Yılmazer.
Morecambe Bay cockle-gatherers drowned
Twenty-one cockle-gatherers drowned in Morecambe Bay, England, due to an incoming tide. This event led to the establishment of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority.
Abu Ghraib prison abuses revealed
The New Yorker published an article detailing accounts of torture and abuse by American military personnel of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison on April 30, 2004.
Massachusetts Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Marvin Heemeyer rampage
In Granby, Colorado, Marvin Heemeyer destroyed several buildings with a modified bulldozer over a zoning dispute before committing suicide.
Same-sex marriage ceremony in Bègles
Noël Mamère, mayor of Bègles, France, conducted a marriage ceremony for two men before same-sex marriage was legal.
Terri Schiavo Feeding Tube Removal
A court order led to the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, sparking a global debate on euthanasia.
Andijan massacre
Uzbek troops fired on protesters in Andijan, resulting in a massacre with an estimated death toll ranging from 187 to 1,500.
Deep Throat Revealed
A Vanity Fair article revealed that the secret informant known as "Deep Throat" was former FBI associate director Mark Felt.
Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Spain
Same-sex marriage became legal in Spain after a law passed by the Cortes Generales came into effect.
John Roberts becomes Chief Justice of the United States
John Roberts became the 17th Chief Justice of the United States. He would be the first Chief Justice to serve for twenty years since Melville Fuller in 1908.
Prison escape in Yemen
Twenty-three convicts, including several al-Qaeda militants, escaped from a prison in Sanaa, Yemen. The prison was administered by the Political Security Organization.
Securitas depot robbery
Seven men staged the largest cash robbery in Britain at a Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent.
Belarusian Election Protests
Protesters demanding a new election in Belarus were arrested, including opposition leader Alyaksandr Kazulin.
Nepal Strips King of Powers
The Parliament of Nepal unanimously voted to strip King Gyanendra of many of his powers. This was a significant shift in the country's political landscape.
Transatlantic aircraft plot foiled
British police arrested 24 people for conspiring to detonate liquid explosives on airliners traveling from the UK to the US and Canada.
Comair Flight 5191 Crash
Comair Flight 5191 crashed at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49 of the 50 people on board. This event led to modified air traffic control rules.
Amish school shooting
A gunman killed five Amish girls before committing suicide in a one-room schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania.
Assassination of Nadarajah Raviraj
Nadarajah Raviraj, a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician and human rights lawyer, was assassinated in Colombo.
Jena Six incident
Six black teenagers assaulted a white student in Jena, Louisiana. The subsequent court cases became a cause célèbre for perceived racial injustice in the United States.
Nancy Pelosi becomes first female Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi is elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Hrant Dink Assassinated
Turkish-Armenian journalist and human-rights activist Hrant Dink was assassinated by a Turkish nationalist in Istanbul.
Filippo Raciti killed in football violence
Following a Derby di Sicilia match in Catania, football violence caused the death of police officer Filippo Raciti, leading to new safety regulations at Italian sporting events.
Deadly police operation in Rio de Janeiro favelas
A large military and civil police operation in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, stemming from an ongoing conflict between drug dealers and police, resulted in 19 deaths and several injuries.
Raúl Iturriaga captured
Raúl Iturriaga, former deputy director of the Chilean secret police, was captured after being on the run following a kidnapping conviction.
Buenos Aires Airport Scandal
An airport police officer discovered US$800,000 in a suitcase at Jorge Newbery Airfield, sparking an international scandal.
Terrorist arrests in Germany
Three suspected al-Qaeda terrorists were arrested in Germany after planning attacks on Frankfurt Airport and Ramstein Air Base.
Northern Rock bank run
The Northern Rock bank received a liquidity support facility from the Bank of England on September 14, 2007, sparking a bank run. This was the United Kingdom's first bank run in 150 years.
Nisour Square massacre
Seventeen Iraqi civilians were shot and killed by Academi guards in Baghdad.
New Zealand Anti-Terrorism Raids
New Zealand Police conducted anti-terrorism raids in relation to an alleged paramilitary training camp, arresting 17 people and seizing weapons.
Somali Pirates Hijack North Korean Ship
Somali pirates hijacked a North Korean ship in the Indian Ocean northeast of Mogadishu.
Philippine soldiers mutiny during trial
During their trial for the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, Philippine soldiers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes mutinied and seized a conference room at The Peninsula Manila.
Picasso painting stolen from São Paulo Museum of Art
Pablo Picasso's Portrait of Suzanne Bloch was stolen from the São Paulo Museum of Art on December 20, 2007. It was recovered about three weeks later.
Benazir Bhutto assassinated
Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated while leaving a political rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Misha Defonseca admits Holocaust memoir forgery
Belgian author Misha Defonseca admitted that her bestselling memoir about surviving the Holocaust was in fact a literary forgery.
Mauritanian coup d'état
Mauritanian president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was ousted from power by a group of high-ranking generals on August 6, 2008.
London low emission zone begins operation
The London low emission zone, charging certain diesel-powered commercial vehicles to enter Greater London, came into operation on February 4, 2008.
Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal
The New York Times revealed that Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York, had patronized a prostitution ring.
Mark Saunders shot dead by police
British barrister Mark Saunders was shot dead by police after a five-hour siege at his home in Chelsea, London.
Postville Immigration Raid
On May 12, 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the largest-ever workplace raid in Postville, Iowa, arresting nearly 400 immigrants for identity theft and document fraud.
Jaipur bombings
Nine bombs exploded in Jaipur, India, killing 80 people and injuring over 200 others. The attacks were attributed to the Indian Mujahideen.
UEFA Cup Final violence
Violence erupted between football hooligans and police on the day of the UEFA Cup Final, resulting in 39 arrests and 39 injured officers.
International Court of Justice ruling on Middle Rocks and Pedra Branca
The International Court of Justice awarded the Middle Rocks to Malaysia and Pedra Branca to Singapore, resolving a 29-year-old territorial dispute in the Singapore Strait.
Convention on Cluster Munitions Adopted
The Convention on Cluster Munitions was adopted, prohibiting the use, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs.
Akihabara massacre
A man drove a truck into a crowd of pedestrians in Akihabara, Tokyo, and then stabbed at least 12 people, killing 7 and wounding 10.
Metrolink train collision
A Metrolink train collided head-on with a freight train in Los Angeles, California, resulting in 25 deaths and 135 injuries.
Delhi Bombings
Five bomb blasts took place in Delhi, India, killing at least 20 people as part of a series of attacks perpetrated by the Indian Mujahideen.
Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy
The global financial services firm Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, holding over $600 billion in assets. This was the largest such filing in U.S. history.
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, establishing the Troubled Asset Relief Program, was enacted to provide a bailout of the U.S. financial system.
Mumbai Attacks
A coordinated group of shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai began, ultimately killing 175 people and wounding more than 300 others.
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich arrested
Rod Blagojevich, the governor of Illinois, was arrested on corruption charges, including for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by president-elect Barack Obama.
Bernie Madoff arrested for $64.8 billion Ponzi scheme
American stockbroker Bernie Madoff was arrested and charged with securities fraud. The charges related to a $64.8 billion Ponzi scheme, the largest in history.
Eng Foong Ho v Attorney-General
The Court of Appeal of Singapore held that equality before the law was satisfied by a "reasonable nexus" between state action and the object of the law.
Northwest Airlines Flight 253 attempted bombing
On Northwest Airlines Flight 253, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his underwear.
Egyptian Court Ruling on Identity Documents
Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that individuals not adhering to recognized religions are eligible for government identity documents.
Omar al-Bashir indicted by ICC
President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan was indicted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the War in Darfur.
NCAA Report on Florida State University
The NCAA released a report alleging academic fraud by 61 student athletes at Florida State University as part of an investigation into an athletic scandal.
Napier Siege Begins
Police in Napier, New Zealand, began a 40-hour siege of a former soldier's home. The man had shot at officers during a search warrant execution.
George Tiller Assassination
American physician George Tiller was shot and killed by an anti-abortion activist.
Bagua protests
Clashes between police and indigenous people in Bagua province, Peru, resulted in at least 31 deaths.
Two American journalists sentenced in North Korea
Two American journalists, arrested for illegal entry into North Korea, were sentenced to twelve years hard labor. They were later pardoned.
Rioting in Shishou, China
Mass rioting broke out in Shishou, China, over the dubious circumstances surrounding the death of a local chef.
Neda Agha-Soltan Killed in Iran
Iranian student Neda Agha-Soltan was shot dead in Tehran during presidential election protests. Footage of her death was widely distributed online.
Atlanta Police Raid
Members of the Atlanta Police Department conducted a raid on a gay bar, leading to allegations of constitutional rights violations and a subsequent $1 million settlement.
Guinean Protests Disrupted
A large protest in Conakry, Guinea, was violently suppressed by the military junta, leading to numerous deaths and injuries.
Fort Hood shooting
U.S. Army major Nidal Hasan went on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13 people. This was the worst shooting ever to take place on an American military base.
Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines
A crowd of people on their way to register Esmael Mangudadatu's candidacy for governor of Maguindanao were kidnapped and killed by supporters of his rival, resulting in 58 deaths.
Halle Train Collision
Two passenger trains collided in Halle, Belgium, when one driver failed to stop at a red signal. The collision resulted in 19 deaths and 171 injuries.
Arizona SB 1070 Signed into Law
Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed into law the controversial anti-illegal immigration bill SB 1070. Much of the law was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
WikiLeaks publishes classified documents
WikiLeaks published the first of hundreds of thousands of classified documents disclosed by Chelsea Manning.
West Virginia Coal Mine Explosion
An explosion at a coal mine in West Virginia killed 29 miners. This was the worst mining disaster in the United States in 40 years.
Stephen Timms murder attempt
British politician Stephen Timms survived a murder attempt by an Islamic extremist during a constituency surgery.
Mummified remains found in Tokyo
Police in Tokyo found the mummified remains of Sogen Kato, thought to have died in 1978. This led to inquiries into the status of isolated elderly people in Japan.
MV Sun Sea Incident
The MV Sun Sea docked in British Columbia after being boarded by Canadian authorities. The 492 Sri Lankan Tamil refugee claimants on board were placed into detention.
China-Japan fishing trawler collision
A Chinese fishing trawler collided with Japan Coast Guard patrol boats near the Senkaku Islands. This incident sparked a major diplomatic dispute between China and Japan.
Teresa Lewis Executed in Virginia
Teresa Lewis became the first woman executed by Virginia since 1912. She was also the first woman in the state to be executed via lethal injection.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repealed
On December 22, 2010, the United States repealed its "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual people in the military.
2011 England riots
A series of riots broke out in several London boroughs and in cities and towns across England in response to the shooting of Mark Duggan by Metropolitan Police officers on August 6, 2011.
Olympus Scandal Escalates
Michael Woodford was dismissed as CEO of Olympus after uncovering financial misconduct, escalating the corporate scandal.
Tucson shooting
Jared Lee Loughner opened fire at a public meeting held by U.S. representative Gabby Giffords in Tucson, Arizona. Six people were killed and twelve others were injured.
Protests in Albania Turn Violent
Demonstrations against alleged corruption in the Albanian government led to the killings of four protesters in Tirana by the Republican Guard.
WikiLeaks Guantanamo Bay files leak
Secret documents relating to detainees at the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention camp were released on WikiLeaks and several independent news organizations.
News of the World closes
The British tabloid News of the World published its last edition due to voicemail hacking allegations. This included hacking the voicemails of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler and victims of the 7/7 attacks.
US military ends 'don't ask, don't tell' policy
The United States military ended its "don't ask, don't tell" policy on September 20, 2011, allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly.
Mekong River massacre
Two Chinese cargo ships were attacked and their crews murdered on a stretch of the Mekong River in far northern Thailand.
Megaupload Shut Down
The Hong Kong-based file-sharing website Megaupload was shut down by the FBI.
Mexican drug war prison riot
Forty-four inmates died in a prison riot in Apodaca, Mexico, between members of Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel.
Trayvon Martin shooting
African-American teenager Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida. The incident sparked nationwide controversy.
2012 Oikos University shooting
A gunman shot at people inside Oikos University, a Korean Christian college in Oakland, California, leaving seven people dead and three injured.
Burgas Airport bus bombing
A suicide bomber attacked an Israeli tour bus at Burgas Airport, Bulgaria. This led to Hezbollah's military branch being designated a terrorist organization by the EU.
Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting
An American white supremacist carried out a mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, killing six people and wounding four others.
Tana River District clashes
A series of ethnic clashes between the Orma and the Pokomo in Kenya's Tana River District resulted in at least 52 deaths.
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting
A 20-year-old gunman shot twenty children and six adult staff members in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Delhi gang rape and murder
A woman was gang-raped and fatally assaulted on a bus in Delhi, generating protests across India against inadequate security for women.
Medellín apartment building collapse
Twelve people were killed in an apartment-building collapse in Medellín. This event led to new construction laws being passed in Colombia.
CIA acknowledges Area 51
The CIA acknowledged the existence of Area 51 in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Area 51 is a secretive U.S. Air Force facility in Nevada.
Brussels Airport Diamond Heist
Eight gunmen stole US$50,000,000 worth of diamonds from a Swiss-bound aircraft at Brussels Airport.
Terror plot foiled in Canada
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested two men who were plotting to commit terrorist attacks. The targets were Via Rail operations.
Savar building collapse
A building in Savar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,134 people. This event is the deadliest accidental structural failure in modern history.
Mark Carson Murder
Mark Carson, an openly gay man, was murdered in a hate crime in New York City. This incident prompted a large march against anti-LGBTQ violence.
Czech Prime Minister's Advisors Arrested for Corruption
Several close advisors and collaborators of Czech Prime Minister Petr Nečas were arrested on corruption charges.
Defense of Marriage Act Overturned
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, granting federal recognition to same-sex marriage.
Rabaa Massacre
Security forces raided camps of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi supporters in Cairo, leading to the deaths of at least 595 civilians.
Lida Murders
The Belarusian serial killer Ivan Kulesh murdered two saleswomen in Lida.
Washington Navy Yard shooting
A lone gunman fatally shot twelve people and injured three others at the headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C.
Little India Riot in Singapore
A riot erupted in Little India, Singapore, following a fatal bus accident. This was the first such event in over 40 years.
First Same-Sex Marriages in England and Wales
The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales took place following the passage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
UN Report on North Korea Human Rights
An inquiry report by the United Nations Human Rights Council found systematic and wide-ranging violations of human rights in North Korea.
Kevin Lau stabbing
Former editor-in-chief of Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, Kevin Lau, was stabbed. This incident raised concerns about media freedom.
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Disappearance
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.
Boko Haram Kidnaps Nigerian Schoolgirls
Boko Haram militants kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from a government secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria.
Flint, Michigan Changes Water Source
The city of Flint, Michigan, U.S., changed its water source to the Flint River. This decision exposed residents to lead poisoning.
Silvio Berlusconi conviction overturned
The conviction of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi for paying an underage prostitute was overturned on appeal.
Killing of Michael Brown
Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African-American man, was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. This event sparked widespread protests and unrest.
Ayotzinapa Students Disappearance
Forty-three students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College in Mexico were kidnapped.
Ottawa Parliament Hill shootings
The downtown core of Ottawa, Canada, was placed on lockdown following a series of shootings at Parliament Hill.
Herman Badillo
Herman Badillo, a Puerto Rican-American lawyer and politician, has died. He was born in 1929.
Vincent Bugliosi
American lawyer and author, known as the prosecuting attorney in the Tate–LaBianca murders case.
Hypercacher kosher supermarket siege
A hostage situation occurred at a Jewish market in Vincennes, related to the Charlie Hebdo shooting.
Murder of Özgecan Aslan
Turkish student Özgecan Aslan was murdered during a rape attempt, sparking mass demonstrations across the country after her body was discovered two days later.
Germanwings Flight 9525 crash
The co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525 deliberately crashed the aircraft in the French Alps on March 24, 2015. All 150 people on board were killed in the mass murder-suicide.
Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary
Six elderly men burgled a safe-deposit facility in Hatton Garden, London, and stole items worth up to an estimated £14 million.
Western Kentucky University Swimming and Diving Suspension
Western Kentucky University announced a five-year suspension of their swimming and diving programs due to a hazing scandal.
Freddie Gray Dies in Police Custody
Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American, died of injuries sustained while in the custody of the Baltimore Police Department.
Bali Nine Executions
The ringleaders of the Bali Nine were executed in Indonesia for drug smuggling. They were caught attempting to smuggle heroin to Australia.
Charleston Church Shooting
A white supremacist committed a mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people during a prayer service.
Obergefell v. Hodges
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
Corn starch dust explosion in Taiwan
Ignition of corn starch caused a dust fire at a water park in New Taipei City, Taiwan, killing 15 people and injuring more than 400 others.
Joker Arroyo
Filipino lawyer and politician died. He was born in 1927.
Trollhättan school stabbing
A sword-wielding man attacked students and teachers at a high school in Trollhättan, Sweden. The attack resulted in three deaths, making it Sweden's deadliest school attack.
John Leahy
John Leahy, an English lawyer and diplomat who served as High Commissioner to Australia, has died. He was born in 1928.
Brussels Lockdown
The Belgian government imposed a four-day security lockdown in Brussels due to information about potential terrorist attacks.
Harry Wu
Harry Wu was a Chinese human rights activist who documented abuses in China's Laogai system.
Ouagadougou hostage crisis
Government commandos stormed a restaurant in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to end a hostage situation initiated by gunmen the previous night.
Panama Papers Revealed
The first news stories on the Panama Papers were published, exposing the illegal use of shell corporations by the law firm Mossack Fonseca.
Paris Agreement opens for signature
The Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change, opened for signature. It was signed by 175 parties on this date.
Pulse nightclub shooting
An Islamic terrorist killed 49 people in a mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida.
Jo Cox Murdered
British Member of Parliament Jo Cox was murdered in her constituency on June 16, 2016.
Dallas Police Shooting
A U.S. Army Reserve veteran ambushed and shot police officers in Dallas, killing five and injuring nine. The perpetrator was killed by a bomb attached to a police robot.
German Rape Law Reforms
Following several high-profile sexual assaults, Germany enacted significant reforms to strengthen its rape laws. These changes aimed to provide greater protection and justice for victims.
Paris Agreement comes into effect
The Paris Agreement, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, came into effect.
UK Invokes Article 50 for Brexit
British prime minister Theresa May invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally beginning the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
Women's March
Millions of people participated in the Women's March in Washington, D.C., and around the world to advocate for legislation and policies on human rights and other issues.
Quebec City Mosque Shooting
A lone gunman opened fire at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, resulting in six fatalities and nineteen injuries.
Assassination of Kim Jong-nam
Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was assassinated using VX nerve agent in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Joseph Wapner
Joseph Wapner was an American judge and television personality.
Lynne Stewart
Lynne Stewart, an American attorney and activist, died on March 7, 2017. She was born in 1939.
Miroslava Breach
Miroslava Breach, a Mexican investigative journalist, died on March 23, 2017. She was born in 1962.
Otto Warmbier
American college student Otto Warmbier, who was detained in North Korea, has died at the age of 22.
Terrorist attack in Turku, Finland
Two people were fatally stabbed and eight others wounded by a rejected asylum seeker in an Islamist terrorist attack in Turku, Finland.
Parsons Green Bombing
A homemade bomb partially exploded on an eastbound District line train at Parsons Green tube station in West London, injuring 30 passengers.
Daphne Caruana Galizia killed in car bombing
Maltese journalist and anti-corruption activist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb attack in Bidnija.
Daphne Caruana Galizia
Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist and blogger, has died.
New York City Truck Attack
An Uzbek immigrant drove a rented truck into cyclists and runners in Lower Manhattan, New York City, killing eight people.
Charles Manson
Charles Manson, an American cult leader and mass murderer, died on November 19, 2017. He was born in 1934.
Same-sex marriage legal in Australia
Same-sex marriage in Australia became legal as the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 came into effect.
Toronto Van Attack
A man intentionally struck pedestrians with a van on Yonge Street in Toronto, Canada, leading to 11 deaths.
Bolivia v. Chile (Pacific Access)
The International Court of Justice ruled that Chile had no obligation to grant Bolivia access to the Pacific Ocean.
Edgar Ray Killen
American murderer Edgar Ray Killen died at the age of 92. He was born in 1925.
Mrauk U protest deaths
In Mrauk U, Myanmar, police fired into a crowd protesting a ban on an event, resulting in seven deaths and twelve injuries. The event was to mark the anniversary of the end of the Kingdom of Mrauk U.
Ruud Lubbers
Ruud Lubbers was a Dutch politician and diplomat, serving as Prime Minister and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Johan van Hulst
Johan van Hulst was a Dutch politician, academic, author, and a Yad Vashem recipient.
US Immigration Raid in Tennessee
Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a Tennessee slaughterhouse, detaining nearly 100 Hispanic workers. This was one of the largest immigration raids in U.S. history.
Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush, former First Lady of the United States, died on April 17, 2018. She was known for her advocacy for literacy and was born in 1925.
Alene Duerk
Alene Duerk, the U.S. Navy's first female admiral, died. She was born in 1920.
India legalizes homosexuality
The Supreme Court of India invalidated part of Section 377 of the Penal Code, thus legalising homosexuality in India.
Jamal Khashoggi assassinated
The Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.
Jayme Closs Kidnapping
Thirteen-year-old Jayme Closs was kidnapped from her home in Wisconsin and held captive for 88 days.
Grande Tema Stowaway Incident
Operatives of the British Special Boat Service boarded the container ship Grande Tema to detain four stowaways who had threatened the crew.
Mueller Report Released
The United States Department of Justice released a redacted version of the Mueller report on April 18, 2019. The report concerned Russian influence on the U.S. presidential election.
Polly Higgins
Polly Higgins, a Scottish barrister, author, and environmental lobbyist born in 1968, has died.
Gloria Vanderbilt
Gloria Vanderbilt, an American artist, author, actress, fashion designer, heiress, and socialite, has died.
Yuen Long Attack
People returning from anti-extradition bill protests were attacked by suspected triad members in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, leaving 45 people injured.
Jeffrey Epstein found dead
Financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, New York.
UK Supreme Court rules Parliament prorogation unlawful
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom unanimously ruled that advice given by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Queen Elizabeth II that Parliament should be prorogued was unlawful.
Peruvian Congress dissolved
President Martín Vizcarra dissolved the Congress of Peru, leading to a constitutional crisis.
Citizenship Amendment Act protests
In Delhi, India, local women protested the exclusion of Muslims from the amended Citizenship Act by blockading a major road.
Gui Minhai sentenced
Hong Kong-based writer and publisher Gui Minhai was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for intelligence violations.
Greg Zanis
Greg Zanis was an American carpenter and activist, known for his 'Where Are They?' campaign.
ABS-CBN forced off-air in the Philippines
Philippine broadcast network ABS-CBN was forced to go off-air by the National Telecommunications Commission. This occurred after Congress failed to renew its franchise.
Aimee Stephens
Aimee Stephens was an American funeral director and U.S. Supreme Court litigant.
Murder of George Floyd
George Floyd, a black American man, was murdered during an arrest by a white police officer in Minneapolis. This event sparked widespread protests and riots.
Larry Kramer
Larry Kramer, an American playwright, public health advocate, and LGBT rights activist, has died. He was born in 1935.
Jean Kennedy Smith
Jean Kennedy Smith, an American activist, humanitarian, author, and diplomat who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, has died.
Reddit bans r/The_Donald
Reddit banned the pro-Trump subreddit r/The_Donald for rule violations and antagonizing the company.
Saeb Erekat
Saeb Erekat was the chief Palestinian negotiator. He was born in 1955.
Mob attacks the U.S. Capitol during election certification
Supporters of President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in an effort to disrupt Congress as it certifies Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.
January 6th United States Capitol attack
Supporters of then-outgoing U.S. president Donald Trump attacked the United States Capitol to disrupt certification of the 2020 presidential election. The event resulted in five deaths and the evacuation of the U.S. Congress.
F. W. de Klerk
F. W. de Klerk was a South African lawyer and politician who served as State President. He was a Nobel Prize laureate.
Larry Flynt
American publisher.
Ecuadorian prison riots
Riots in four Ecuadorian prisons, caused by gang rivalries, resulted in the deaths of 79 inmates.
Ronald DeFeo Jr.
Ronald DeFeo Jr. was an American criminal.
Death of G. Gordon Liddy
G. Gordon Liddy, known as the chief operative in the Watergate scandal, passed away.
Bruno Covas
Bruno Covas was a Brazilian lawyer and politician.
Peter R. de Vries
Dutch investigative journalist and crime reporter.
Igor Vovkovinskiy
Igor Vovkovinskiy was a Ukrainian-American law student, actor, and was known as America's tallest person.
Jyrki Kasvi
Jyrki Kasvi was a Finnish journalist and politician.
John Y. Brown Jr.
John Y. Brown Jr. was an American soldier, lawyer, and politician who served as the 55th Governor of Kentucky.
Death of Luis Echeverría
Luis Echeverría, a Mexican lawyer and politician, died.
Arthur Ngirakelsong
Arthur Ngirakelsong was the 2nd Chief Justice of Palau.
Simon Crean
Australian trade union leader and politician.
Tangaraju Suppiah
Tangaraju Suppiah was a Singaporean convicted of drug trafficking.
Ben Ferencz
Ben Ferencz was an American lawyer who investigated and prosecuted Nazi war crimes.
Ted Kaczynski
Ted Kaczynski was an American mathematician and a domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber.
Altemio Sanchez
Altemio Sanchez was a Puerto Rican serial killer and rapist. He was born in 1958.
Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger, former US secretary of state, has died. He was born in 1923.
Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice, has died. She served from 1981 to 2006 and was born in 1930.
Gaston Glock
Gaston Glock, Austrian firearm engineer and founder of Glock, has died. He was born in 1929.
Ramón Fonseca Mora
Ramón Fonseca Mora was a Panamanian novelist and lawyer.
Lilly Ledbetter
Lilly Ledbetter was an American activist.
Michael Ancram
English lawyer and politician.
Joe Lieberman
Joe Lieberman was an American politician and lawyer.
Bob Graham
Bob Graham was an American lawyer, author, and politician, and the 38th governor of Florida.
Terry A. Anderson
Terry A. Anderson, an American journalist born in 1947, has died.
Robert Pickton
Robert Pickton was a Canadian serial killer.
James Lawson
James Lawson was an American activist, professor, and minister known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Neil Goldschmidt
Neil Goldschmidt was an American lawyer and politician, and the 33rd Governor of Oregon.
George Nethercutt
George Nethercutt was an American lawyer, author, and politician.
Ludwig Adamovich Jr.
Ludwig Adamovich Jr. was an Austrian constitutional scholar.
Iryna Farion
Iryna Farion, Ukrainian linguist and politician, died.
Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson Lee, American lawyer and politician, died.
Nell McCafferty
Nell McCafferty was a Northern Irish journalist, playwright, and civil rights campaigner.
Mauricio Arriaza Chicas
Mauricio Arriaza Chicas was a Salvadoran police officer.
Jim Sasser
American lawyer and politician, 6th United States Ambassador to China. He was born in 1936.
Raquel Blandón
Raquel Blandón was a Guatemalan lawyer and activist, and served as the First Lady of Guatemala.
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson was an American lawyer and politician.
Paul Stephenson
Paul Stephenson was a British civil rights activist.
Murray Sinclair
Canadian lawyer and politician Murray Sinclair died. He was born in 1951.
Theodore Olson
Theodore Olson was an American lawyer.
Ursula Haverbeck
Ursula Haverbeck was a German Holocaust denier.
Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool found guilty of murder
Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were found guilty of the murder of Sara Sharif. They were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Aaron Brown
Death of Aaron Brown, an American journalist and academic.
Jair Bolsonaro sentenced
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot.
Bernie Kerik
Bernie Kerik was an American police officer, the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City, and served as interior minister of the Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority.
Cecile Richards
Cecile Richards, an American activist and former Planned Parenthood president, died.
Fay Vincent
Fay Vincent, American lawyer and businessman, 8th Commissioner of Baseball, died.
Jim Guy Tucker
Jim Guy Tucker, former Governor of Arkansas, died.
Gerald Ridsdale
Australian laicised Catholic priest and sex offender.
David Boren
David Boren was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 21st Governor of Oklahoma.
Clint Hill
American Secret Service agent Clint Hill is expected to die.
Larry Dolan
American attorney Larry Dolan died.
Jessie Hoffman Jr.
American convicted murderer.
Jessica Aber
Jessica Aber was an American lawyer.
Melissa Hortman
Melissa Hortman was an American lawyer and politician.
Death of Ian Blair
Ian Blair, a British police officer, died.
Charlie Kirk Shot
American political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University.
Juan Ponce Enrile
Juan Ponce Enrile was a Filipino politician and lawyer.
Rob and Michele Reiner stabbing
Filmmakers Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles residence.
William J. Bauer
William J. Bauer was a senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He previously served as a United States district judge.
Rick Garcia
American LGBTQ rights activist Rick Garcia died.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, is a Mexican drug lord.
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