Josh Camson

Philippines police reluctant to enforce new anti-terror law: security adviser

October 14, 2007 10:05:00 am

Philippine law enforcement officers are reluctant to use the powers allocated them in a new anti-terrorism law due to strict punishments provided for rights violations, according to a government security advisor speaking to AP Sunday. The controversial Human Security...

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Thailand prosecutors in UK for ex-PM Thaksin extradition talks

Josh Camson

October 12, 2007 04:05:00 pm

Four Thai prosecutors traveled to London Friday to discuss the extradition of ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on corruption charges , in order to discuss what evidence is necessary in UK courts...

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Myanmar rejects UN denunciation of violent crackdown against protestors

Josh Camson

October 12, 2007 03:00:00 pm

Myanmar's military government Friday rejected a UN Security Council denunciation of its use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and its accompanying call on the government to release political prisoners and negotiate with the...

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Japan ruling party narrows scope of anti-terror bill

Josh Camson

October 7, 2007 10:38:00 am

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has submitted a new draft anti-terrorism law that would limit Japan's naval support for US operations in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom to refueling and supplying water...

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Saudi Arabia frees Guantanamo transferees for Eid holiday

Josh Camson

October 7, 2007 09:57:00 am

Saudi Arabian Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz announced Saturday that 55 Saudi prisoners recently transferred from Guantanamo Bay back to their home country will be given a temporary release and stipend of...

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THIS DAY @ LAW

Japan enacts Meiji Constitution

On February 11, 1889, the Meiji Constitution of Japan was promulgated by Emperor Meiji. Officially titled the "Constitution of the Empire of Japan," the Meiji Constitution went into effect on November 29, 1890 and served as the country's fundamental law through the rise of the Japanese Empire until the end of World War II. On May 2, 1947, the Meiji Constitution was replaced by the Constitution of Japan, which serves as the country's governing document today. The Meiji constitution created a constitutional monarchy in Japan with the Emperor serving as a powerful executive. The document furthermore created a parliament, called the Diet, as well as an independent judiciary. Its passage came as part of the Meiji Restoration, in which the Japanese Imperial throne retook power from the Shogunate and guided the nation into the modern world.

First redistricting "gerrymander" created

On February 11, 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed an electoral redistricting law that favored his party. The practice became known as "gerrymandering" in reference to Gerry and the unusual, allegedly salamander-like district that resulted. See the original 1812 political cartoon of The Gerry-mander in the Boston Gazette.