Commentaries by Jason A. Coats

Making Sense Of Investigations Into Intelligence Reports Regarding Efforts Against ISIS

January 1, 2016 10:46:52 am

JURIST Guest Columnist Jason Coats of the US Naval War College discusses the investigations into the legitimacy of reports concerning ISIS...On December 11, the Chairmen of three House of Representatives committees—the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), the Armed Services...

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THIS DAY @ LAW

Sewing machine patented

On September 10, 1846, United States patent number 3640 was awarded to Elias Howe for his sewing machine. In 1854, Howe brought legal action against Isaac Singer, because he alleged Singer's machine infringed upon the patent. Howe won the case and was awarded royalties from the Singer sewing machines.
Learn more about Elias Howe from the University of Rochester.

Last French execution by guillotine

On September 10, 1977, Hamida Djandoubi, a Tunisian immigrant convicted of murder, became the last person executed by guillotine in France.

The French death penalty was formally abolished by President Francois Mitterand in 1981. Learn more about the history of the guillotine.