| THIS DAY AT LAW |  |
| Today in legal history... |
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 Friday, July 03, 2009 |
UK ends food rationing 
On July 3, 1954, the United Kingdom ended food rationing that had begun during World War II on January 8, 1940.  Learn more about British food rationing from the BBC.
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US Supreme Court said FCC could reprimand radio station for broadcasting comedian Carlin's "Filthy Words"
On July 3, 1978, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the Federal Communications Commission had a right to reprimand New York radio station WBAI for broadcasting George Carlin's Filthy Words sketch.  Read FCC v. Pacifica Foundation.
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Thursday, July 02, 2009 |
Steam engine patented
On July 2, 1698, the first steam engine was patented by Thomas Savery. However, the machine had only limited power. Thomas Newcomen in 1712 and James Watt in 1774 would later make the steam engine truly useful, revolutionizing travel.  Learn more about the Steam Engine from the University of Dayton.
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Sherman Antitrust Act passed by Congress
On July 2, 1890, the Sherman Antitrust Act became the first anti-monopoly legislation passed by Congress.  Learn more about the Sherman Act.
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009 |
UK returns Hong Kong to China
On July 1, 1997, the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong to China at the conclusion of a 99-year lease. The foundation for the transfer of power was set in December of 1984, when China and UK signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. The Declaration affirmed the handover of Hong Kong along with governing principles. Most significantly, the Chinese agreed not to impose their socialist system on Hong Kong. 
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President Lincoln signed first US federal income tax act
On July 1, 1862, the Tax Act of 1862 was passed and signed by President Lincoln, establishing a 3% federal tax on income above $600 and a 5% tax on income above $10,000.  Compliance with the act was poor, even though there were needs for the Civil War. After the war the act was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Review a brief history of the US income tax from the Library of Congress.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009 |
Congo gains independence, Congo crisis begins shortly thereafter
On June 30, 1960, the Congo gained independence from Belgium. Soon afterward, the Congolese military mutinied, touching off the Congo Crisis that would compel UN and Belgian intervention and concluded with the installation of Mobutu Sese Seko as dictator of the country, which was renamed Zaire.  Learn more about the Congo Crisis from the Internet Archive.
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