1971 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1971 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 11 Jan First 'quickie' divorce in the United Kingdom: On January 11, 1971, the first 'quickie' divorce was granted in the United Kingdom, marking a significant change in divorce law. This new process allowed couples to divorce more swiftly, reflecting evolving societal attitudes towards marriage and separation. source: theguardian.com
- 17 Jan Gary Gilmore execution ends capital punishment moratorium: On January 17, 1971, Gary Gilmore was executed by firing squad in Utah, marking the first execution in the United States since 1967 and ending the de facto moratorium on capital punishment.
- 25 Jan Charles Manson convicted of murder: On January 25, 1971, Charles Manson was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for his role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. This conviction solidified Manson's notoriety in American criminal history. source: bbc.com
- 21 Feb International Psychotropic Substances Convention Signed: On February 21, 1971, the International Psychotropic Substances Convention was signed, aiming to control the production and distribution of psychotropic substances to prevent abuse. source: unodc.org
- 03 Mar Winnie Mandela sentenced: On March 3, 1971, Winnie Mandela, the wife of Nelson Mandela, was sentenced to a prison term for her involvement in anti-apartheid activities in South Africa. Her sentencing drew international attention to the struggle against apartheid and the role of women in the liberation movement. source: sahistory.org.za
- 08 Mar Citizens' Commission exposes FBI surveillance program: On March 8, 1971, a group known as the Citizens' Commission to Investigate the FBI broke into an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, revealing extensive surveillance programs targeting activists and dissenters. This event marked a significant moment in the history of civil liberties in the United States, leading to public outcry and congressional investigations. source: nytimes.com
- 23 Mar Netherlands Simplifies Divorce Laws: The Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament approved legislation to streamline and simplify divorce proceedings, reflecting evolving social attitudes towards marriage and personal autonomy.
- 28 Mar My Lai Massacre trial: William Calley convicted: On March 28, 1971, Lieutenant William Calley was convicted for his role in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. This trial drew significant media attention and public outcry regarding military conduct. source: britannica.com
- 31 Mar William Calley sentenced for My Lai Massacre: On March 31, 1971, Lieutenant William Calley was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. This event sparked widespread outrage and debate over U.S. military conduct in Vietnam. source: britannica.com
- 03 Apr Joe Valachi, notorious gangster, testifies: On April 3, 1971, Joe Valachi, a former mobster, testified before the U.S. Senate about organized crime. His testimony was significant in exposing the inner workings of the Mafia and led to increased scrutiny of organized crime in America. source: nytimes.com
- 07 Apr Greece releases political prisoners: On April 7, 1971, the Greek government announced the release of several political prisoners, a move seen as an attempt to ease tensions amid growing dissent against the military junta. This decision was part of a broader strategy to improve the regime's image both domestically and internationally during a period of significant political unrest. source: bbc.com
- 09 Apr California death row sentence commutation: On April 9, 1971, California Governor Ronald Reagan commuted the sentences of several death row inmates. This decision was part of a broader discussion on capital punishment in the United States during that era. source: ojp.gov
- 20 Apr Supreme Court upholds busing for school desegregation: On April 20, 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the use of busing as a means to achieve school desegregation in the landmark case Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. This decision aimed to address racial segregation in public schools across the United States. source: britannica.com
- 17 May Washington State bans sex discrimination: On May 17, 1971, Washington State enacted legislation prohibiting sex discrimination, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the state. source: historylink.org
- 23 May Qantas Bomb Hoax Resolution: Qantas airline agreed to pay $500,000 to a bomb hoaxer named Peter Macari, who was subsequently arrested, demonstrating the serious handling of security threats in aviation.
- 07 Jun Supreme Court First Amendment ruling: On June 7, 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a significant First Amendment case, affirming the right to free speech in the context of political expression. This ruling has had lasting implications for free speech protections in the United States. source: oyez.org
- 14 Jun Nixon declares war on drugs: On June 14, 1971, President Nixon declared a 'war on drugs,' marking the beginning of a national campaign against drug abuse in the United States. This declaration led to significant policy changes and increased law enforcement efforts regarding drug-related offenses. source: npr.org
- 28 Jun Pentagon Papers Supreme Court Decision: The U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision on June 28, 1971, allowing the New York Times and Washington Post to publish the Pentagon Papers, a classified government study detailing the United States political and military involvement in Vietnam. source: archives.gov
- 30 Jun Pentagon Papers Supreme Court ruling: On June 30, 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of The New York Times, allowing the publication of the Pentagon Papers. The Court's decision underscored the importance of freedom of the press and limited the government's ability to impose prior restraint on publication. This landmark ruling had significant implications for press freedom in the United States. source: oyez.org
- 05 Aug 1971 Vietnam War Draft Lottery: On August 5, 1971, the U.S. conducted the third Vietnam War draft lottery, determining the order of induction for men born in 1952. The highest lottery number called was 95, meaning all men assigned that number or any lower number were called to report for possible induction. source: sss.gov
- 20 Aug FBI initiates covert investigation of journalist Daniel Schorr: On August 20, 1971, the FBI began a covert investigation into journalist Daniel Schorr, who had reported on the Nixon administration's failure to fund Catholic schools, leading to scrutiny of his activities. source: vault.fbi.gov
- 01 Sep Rolling Stones Sue Manager Allen Klein: The Rolling Stones initiated a legal dispute against their manager Allen Klein, signaling internal tensions within the band's management and business affairs.
- 13 Sep Attica Prison Uprising ends with storming by police: On September 13, 1971, the four-day Attica Prison Uprising in New York concluded when state police and corrections officers stormed the facility. The assault resulted in the deaths of 29 inmates and 10 hostages. source: history.com
- 21 Oct Supreme Court nominations: On October 21, 1971, President Richard Nixon nominated Lewis F. Powell Jr. and William H. Rehnquist to the U.S. Supreme Court. These nominations were significant in shaping the Court's direction in the following decades. source: britannica.com
- 29 Oct Rockefeller Orders Investigation into Attica Prison Uprising: New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller directed Attorney General Louis Lefkowitz to investigate the Attica Prison Uprising. At the request of the Wyoming County District Attorney, Rockefeller ordered the formation of a Special Grand Jury to potentially prosecute those responsible for the violent prison riot.
- 06 Dec Lewis Franklin Powell Confirmed to Supreme Court: Lewis Franklin Powell was confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice, joining the highest judicial body in the United States and potentially influencing future legal interpretations.
- 09 Dec Lewis F. Powell Jr. appointed to US Supreme Court: On December 9, 1971, President Richard Nixon appointed Lewis F. Powell Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court. Powell was confirmed by the Senate on December 6, 1971, and received his commission on December 9, 1971. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
- 10 Dec William H. Rehnquist confirmed to Supreme Court: On December 10, 1971, the U.S. Senate confirmed William H. Rehnquist as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by a vote of 68–26. Nominated by President Richard Nixon, Rehnquist took his seat on January 7, 1972. source: britannica.com
- 15 Dec Federal Judge Otto Kerner's arrest: On December 15, 1971, Otto Kerner, a former federal judge and governor of Illinois, was arrested on charges of accepting bribes and using his public office for personal gain. He was later convicted and sentenced to prison. source: nytimes.com
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