Death penalty reinstatement bill [MA Gov. Mitt Romney] News
Death penalty reinstatement bill [MA Gov. Mitt Romney]

An Act Reinstating Capital Punishment in the Commonwealth, filed with the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, April 29, 2005 [to reinstate the death penalty in Massachusetts for deadly acts of terrorism, killing sprees, murders involving torture, and the killing of law enforcement authorities]. Read the full text of the bill [PDF] and accompanying letter of transmission. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Sandra Day O'Connor confirmed as first female US Supreme Court justice

On September 21, 1981, the US Senate approved the nomination of Sandra Day O’Connor to the US Supreme Court by a vote of 99-0, making her the first female Supreme Court justice. Learn more about Justice O'Connor from Oyez.

Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law in the Philippines

On September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation 1081, implementing martial law in the Philippines. Marcos used the proclamation not only to suppress a communist insurgency but to eliminate political opponents as well. He remained in power until he was forced from office and into exile by the People Power Revolution in 1986.