1939 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1939 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 05 Jan Felix Frankfurter Appointed to Supreme Court: On January 5, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated Felix Frankfurter to the U.S. Supreme Court. Frankfurter, a prominent legal scholar and advocate for judicial restraint, was confirmed and served on the Court until 1962. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Jan Federal Hall National Monument Established: The Federal Hall National Monument was officially established, commemorating the site where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States and preserving an important landmark in American historical heritage.
- 31 Jan Nazi regime suppresses Berliner Tageblatt: The Berliner Tageblatt, a prominent liberal newspaper in Berlin, was shut down by Nazi authorities on January 31, 1939. This action was part of the regime's broader efforts to control the press and eliminate independent media voices critical of the government. source: germanhistorydocs.org
- 27 Feb Supreme Court outlaws sit-down strikes: On February 27, 1939, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in NLRB v. Sands Manufacturing Co., NLRB v. Columbian Enameling & Stamping Co., NLRB v. Fansteel Metallurgical Corp., and Taylor v. Standard Gas & Electric Co., effectively outlawing sit-down strikes. This decision had significant implications for labor relations in the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Mar Massachusetts belatedly ratifies Bill of Rights: On March 2, 1939, Massachusetts became the last U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights, which was originally proposed in 1789. This event marked a significant moment in American legal history. source: archives.gov
- 10 May Hungarian Anti-Semitic Legislation Enacted: On May 10, 1939, Hungary enacted the Second Anti-Jewish Law, which defined Jews in racial terms and imposed further restrictions on their rights, including limitations on employment and property ownership. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
- 15 May Supreme Court Decides United States v. Miller: The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in the *United States v. Miller* case, which would have significant implications for legal interpretation and potentially firearms regulations.
- 23 May George Cross Established: The United Kingdom introduces the George Cross, a prestigious civilian and military decoration awarded for exceptional acts of bravery and heroism.
- 17 Jun Last public guillotining in France: On June 17, 1939, German serial killer Eugen Weidmann was executed by guillotine outside the Saint-Pierre prison in Versailles. The execution was witnessed by a large crowd, leading to public outcry and the subsequent ban on public executions in France. source: lemonde.fr
- 29 Jun Italian racial laws expand anti-Semitic restrictions: On June 29, 1939, Italy expanded its racial laws, further restricting the rights and freedoms of Jewish citizens. These measures were part of a broader pattern of anti-Semitic legislation in Europe during this period. source: jstor.org
- 30 Jun Italian racial laws expanded: On June 30, 1939, Italy further expanded its racial laws, imposing additional restrictions on Jewish citizens. These laws were part of a broader pattern of anti-Semitic legislation in Europe during this period. source: jstor.org
- 01 Sep British National Services Act: The British House of Commons passed the National Services (Armed Forces) Act, mandating conscription of all men aged 18 to 41 into military service.
- 11 Oct NAACP Establishes Legal Defense Fund: On October 11, 1939, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) established the Legal Defense Fund to provide legal assistance in challenging segregation and discrimination. This fund played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, supporting landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Oct Nazi Forced Labor Decree for Polish Jews: On October 26, 1939, the German authorities issued a decree mandating that all Polish Jews aged 14 to 60 perform forced labor. This policy aimed to exploit Jewish labor for various construction and maintenance projects, including public buildings, roads, and agricultural tasks. The implementation of this decree marked a significant escalation in the persecution of Jews in occupied Poland. source: jewishvirtuallibrary.org
- 16 Nov Al Capone Released from Alcatraz: Notorious American mobster Al Capone was released from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary after serving a six-year sentence for tax evasion. His health had significantly deteriorated due to neurosyphilis, marking the end of his criminal empire.
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