Rosenbergs convicted of espionage

Rosenbergs convicted of espionage

March 29, 2010 04:00:00 am

On March 29, 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of passing US atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. The couple was sentenced to death on April 3 under the Espionage Act of 1917, 18 U.S.C 794. They were then executed two years later on June 19, 1953 in New York State’s Sing Sing Prison.

View the FBI’s files on the Rosenbergs.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Catholic priest Girolamo Savonarola burned at the stake

Radical Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola was burned at the stake in the Republic of Florence on May 23, 1498 for preaching against the practices of the powerful within the Catholic Church, including Pope Alexander VI, and celebrating mass while excommunicated. Learn more about the life of Savonarola and his execution.

Captain Kidd hanged for piracy

On May 23, 1701, Captain William Kidd, convicted of piracy and murder, was hanged in London. His body was later tarred and hung up in a gibbet - an iron cage - at the mouth of the River Thames as a warning to others.

Learn more about Captain Kidd.

South Carolina becomes eighth U.S. state

On May 23, 1788, South Carolina ratified the US Constitution, becoming the eighth American state. Learn more about the history of South Carolina.