Rhode Island same-sex divorce case [RI SC] News
Rhode Island same-sex divorce case [RI SC]

Margaret R. Chambers v. Cassandra B. Ormiston, Supreme Court of Rhode Island, December 7, 2007 [ruling that a lesbian couple legally married in Massachusetts does not have the right to divorce in Rhode Island because Rhode Island does not explicitly recognize same-sex marriage]. Read the full text of the opinion [PDF]. Reported in JURIST's Paper Chase here.

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.