1980 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1980 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 13 Jan Head of Belgian Narcotics Brigade arrested for drug smuggling: On January 13, 1980, Captain François, head of Belgium's Narcotics Brigade since 1971, was arrested for allegedly allowing hard drugs like cocaine and heroin to enter the clandestine market. He claimed this strategy enabled his team to infiltrate the Belgian drug trafficking environment. source: cia.gov
- 16 Jan Paul McCartney arrested in Tokyo for marijuana possession: On January 16, 1980, Paul McCartney was arrested at Tokyo's Narita International Airport after customs officials discovered approximately 219 grams (7.7 ounces) of marijuana in his luggage. The arrest led to the cancellation of his planned 11-date Wings tour in Japan. McCartney was detained for nine days before being released and deported to England without charge. source: washingtonpost.com
- 18 Jan Studio 54 owners sentenced for tax evasion: On January 18, 1980, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, co-owners of the famed New York nightclub Studio 54, were each sentenced to three and a half years in prison and fined $20,000 for evading over $400,000 in corporate income taxes. The charges stemmed from their practice of skimming approximately $2.5 million from the club's receipts. Both men began serving their sentences on February 4, 1980. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Jan Death of William O. Douglas, Supreme Court Justice: William O. Douglas, who served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975, died on January 19, 1980, at the age of 81. He was known for his strong progressive and civil libertarian views, holding the record for the longest tenure in U.S. Supreme Court history at 36 years and 209 days. source: britannica.com
- 11 Feb Kurt Lischka, Herbert Hagen, and Ernst Heinrichsohn convicted for Holocaust crimes: On February 11, 1980, a Cologne court convicted former Gestapo officials Kurt Lischka, Herbert Hagen, and Ernst Heinrichsohn for their roles in deporting Jews from France to Nazi death camps during World War II. Lischka received a 10-year sentence, Hagen 12 years, and Heinrichsohn 6 years. These convictions were part of ongoing efforts to hold Nazi perpetrators accountable decades after the war. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Mar Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material signed: The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material was signed in Vienna and New York on March 3, 1980. This international treaty establishes measures for the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes during international transport, criminalizes offenses related to nuclear material, and promotes international cooperation in the protection, recovery, and return of stolen nuclear material. source: iaea.org
- 10 Mar Jean Harris convicted of murdering Dr. Herman Tarnower: On March 10, 1980, Jean Harris, headmistress of the Madeira School, shot and killed her longtime lover, Dr. Herman Tarnower, creator of the 'Scarsdale Diet,' at his home in Purchase, New York. Harris claimed the shooting was accidental during a struggle over the gun, but she was convicted of second-degree murder in 1981 and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 Mar John Wayne Gacy sentenced to death for 33 murders: On March 13, 1980, John Wayne Gacy was sentenced to death after being convicted of 33 murders. The jury deliberated for over two hours before delivering the death sentence for each of the 12 murders committed after Illinois reinstated the death penalty in 1977. Gacy's execution was set for June 2, 1980, but was delayed by further appeals. source: upi.com
- 20 Mar International Court of Justice hearings on U.S. diplomatic staff in Tehran: From March 18 to 20, 1980, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held hearings concerning the United States' application against Iran for the seizure of its embassy and consulates in Tehran and the taking of hostages. The U.S. government submitted its Memorial on January 12, 1980, outlining its claims. The ICJ's involvement aimed to address the violations of international law by Iran during the hostage crisis. source: icj-cij.org
- 03 Apr US Congress restores federal trust relationship with Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah: On April 3, 1980, the U.S. Congress passed the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Restoration Act, Public Law 96-227, which restored the federal trust relationship with the Shivwits, Kanosh, Koosharem, and Indian Peaks Bands of the Paiute Indian Tribe. The law also reaffirmed the Cedar Band as part of the tribe. This legislation acknowledged that the Kanosh, Koosharem, and Indian Peaks Bands had lost their lands due to termination policies, while the Cedar Band had never had any. The act proposed developing a plan within two years to secure reservation land for the tribe, not exceeding 15,000 acres. Concurrently, the Bureau of Land Management reinstated the federal trust on 43,576.99 acres. source: congress.gov
- 11 Apr EEOC publishes sexual harassment guidelines: On April 11, 1980, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published guidelines stating that sexual harassment in the workplace constitutes unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The guidelines defined sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. source: eeoc.gov
- 24 Apr Pennsylvania Lottery rigging scandal: On April 24, 1980, the Pennsylvania Lottery's Daily Number drawing was rigged to produce the number 666, resulting in a $3.5 million payout. The scheme involved Nick Perry, the lottery's television host, and several accomplices who weighted ping-pong balls to favor certain numbers. Suspicious betting patterns led to an investigation, uncovering the conspiracy and leading to convictions of those involved. source: washingtonpost.com
- 05 May Fowzi Badavi Nejad sentenced to life imprisonment for Iranian Embassy siege: Fowzi Badavi Nejad was the sole survivor of the six gunmen who seized the Iranian Embassy in London in April 1980. After the six-day siege, during which two hostages were killed, Nejad was arrested and later convicted of conspiracy to murder, false imprisonment, and possessing firearms with intent. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 25-year minimum term. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 07 May Paul Geidel released after serving 68 years and 245 days in prison: Paul Geidel Jr., convicted of second-degree murder in 1911 at age 17, was released on May 7, 1980, after serving 68 years and 245 days in various New York state prisons. His case was notable for its length, and he was the longest-serving American inmate whose sentence ended with his release at that time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 May International Court of Justice rules on Iran hostage crisis: On May 24, 1980, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Iran violated international law by holding U.S. embassy personnel hostage. The court ordered Iran to release the hostages and restore the embassy premises to the United States. Despite the ruling, Iran did not comply, and the hostages were not released until January 20, 1981. source: britannica.com
- 27 May Henry Hill becomes FBI informant after drug arrest: In May 1980, Henry Hill, a member of the Lucchese crime family, was arrested on narcotics trafficking charges. Facing significant prison time, Hill agreed to cooperate with federal authorities, leading to his testimony against former associates and his entry into the Witness Protection Program. source: cbsnews.com
- 16 Jun Diamond v. Chakrabarty: Supreme Court allows patenting of genetically modified organisms: On June 16, 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Diamond v. Chakrabarty that a genetically engineered bacterium capable of breaking down crude oil is patentable under 35 U.S.C. § 101. This landmark decision established that living, human-made microorganisms qualify as 'manufactures' or 'compositions of matter,' thereby opening the door for patenting genetically modified organisms and significantly impacting the biotechnology industry. source: law.cornell.edu
- 21 Jun Guatemalan authorities detain 27 trade union leaders: On June 21, 1980, 60 plainclothes agents entered the Guatemala City headquarters of the Central Nacional de Trabajadores (CNT), the country's trade union federation. Uniformed National Police officers sealed off the area as the agents arrested 27 union leaders who were planning a funeral for a fellow member. These individuals were taken away in Toyota jeeps and were not seen in public again. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jul Implementation of Sharia Law in Iran: On July 7, 1980, Iran's parliament, the Majlis, approved a new penal code based on Sharia law, effectively abolishing the country's civil code. This marked a significant shift towards Islamic governance following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The new legal framework introduced severe punishments such as stoning and amputations, leading to widespread international condemnation. The implementation of Sharia law redefined various aspects of Iranian society, including family law, criminal justice, and women's rights. source: isitaholidaytoday.com
- 09 Jul Dutch war criminal Pieter Menten sentenced to 10 years in prison: On July 9, 1980, Pieter Menten, a Dutch art dealer and Nazi collaborator, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the 1941 murders of 20 Jewish villagers in Poland. Menten was convicted of complicity in war crimes, including crimes against humanity. He served six years of his sentence before being released in 1985 due to old age and good behavior. source: washingtonpost.com
- 18 Jul Federal court voids Selective Service Act as it doesn't include women: On July 18, 1980, a federal district court ruled that the Selective Service Act violated the Fifth Amendment by requiring only men to register for the draft, excluding women. The court issued an injunction against the registration requirement, stating that the Act's provisions were unconstitutional due to gender discrimination. source: law.cornell.edu
- 28 Jul Peru adopts new constitution: On July 28, 1980, Peru's new constitution came into effect, replacing the 1933 Constitution. This marked the return to democratic governance after a decade of military rule. The constitution was enacted and promulgated on July 12, 1979, and entered into force on July 28, 1980, coinciding with the inauguration of President Fernando Belaúnde Terry. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Jul John Phillips arrested on drug charges: John Phillips, founder of The Mamas and the Papas, was arrested on July 31, 1980, at his Southampton, Long Island, home on charges of selling large quantities of illicit drugs. The indictment alleged that Phillips conspired to acquire tens of thousands of dosage units of controlled prescription drugs by fraud, forgery, and subterfuge. He faced a possible 15 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Phillips pleaded innocent and was released on $50,000 bail pending arraignment. source: washingtonpost.com
- 01 Sep Joseph Bonanno convicted of obstruction of justice in 1980: In September 1980, Joseph Bonanno, former boss of the Bonanno crime family, was convicted in federal court in San Jose, California, on charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice. The conviction stemmed from his efforts to impede a grand jury investigation into organized crime money laundering. Bonanno was sentenced to five years in prison and fined $10,000. Due to his health issues, the sentence was later reduced, and he served nearly eight months before being paroled in July 1984. source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Sep Abbie Hoffman surrenders to authorities: On September 4, 1980, former Yippie leader Abbie Hoffman surrendered to authorities in New York City after spending six and a half years underground. He had been a fugitive since 1974, following charges related to the sale of cocaine to undercover agents. Upon his surrender, Hoffman appeared on a pre-taped edition of ABC's 20/20, where he discussed his time in hiding and his decision to return. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of cocaine possession and was sentenced to a three-year prison term, serving approximately four months before his release. source: washingtonpost.com
- 07 Sep Cape Verde adopts its first constitution: On September 7, 1980, Cape Verde adopted its first constitution, establishing the legal framework for the newly independent nation. This constitution was amended several times, notably in 1981, 1988, and 1990, before being replaced by a new constitution in 1992 that introduced a multi-party political system. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Sep Chile adopts new constitution under Pinochet: On September 11, 1980, Chile held a referendum in which 67% of voters approved a new constitution drafted under the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. The constitution took effect on March 11, 1981, establishing a transition period during which Pinochet retained executive power. The referendum and the constitution's legitimacy were widely contested due to allegations of electoral irregularities and lack of democratic processes. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Oct Michael Myers expelled from U.S. House of Representatives for bribery: On October 2, 1980, Representative Michael 'Ozzie' Myers (D-Pa.) was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives by a 376-30 vote after being convicted of accepting a $50,000 bribe from an undercover FBI agent posing as an Arab sheik. This marked the first expulsion of a House member since the Civil War. Myers contested the expulsion, filing lawsuits in federal court and the Supreme Court, but was ultimately defeated in the November 1980 election. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Oct Guyana adopts new constitution: On October 6, 1980, Guyana's new constitution came into effect, replacing the 1966 constitution established at independence. This document, which has undergone multiple amendments since its enactment, outlines the structure of the government and the rights of citizens. source: wipo.int
- 25 Oct Hague Convention on Child Abduction concluded: The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction was concluded on October 25, 1980, at the Fourteenth Session of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. This multilateral treaty aims to protect children from the harmful effects of wrongful removal or retention across international boundaries by providing a procedure to bring about their prompt return and ensuring the protection of rights of access. source: congress.gov
- 10 Nov Special court indicts Gang of Four and six others on charges including plotting Mao's assassination: On November 10, 1980, a special court in Beijing indicted the Gang of Four, led by Mao Tse-tung's widow Jiang Qing, and six other individuals on charges ranging from conspiracy to plotting the assassination of the late chairman of the Communist Party. The trial, considered the most crucial court case in the 31-year history of Communist China, was expected to commence within a week. The indictment accused the defendants of 'grave crimes' that brought 'calamity to the country and the people.' source: upi.com
- 17 Nov Supreme Court rules on Ten Commandments display in schools: On November 17, 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Stone v. Graham that a Kentucky statute requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. The Court held that the statute lacked a secular legislative purpose and was primarily religious in nature, thus unconstitutional. source: britannica.com
- 01 Dec US Justice Department sues Yonkers for racial discrimination: On December 1, 1980, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the City of Yonkers, the Yonkers Board of Education, and the Yonkers Community Development Agency. The suit alleged that these entities intentionally segregated public schools and subsidized housing, violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The case was notable for combining challenges to both school and housing segregation. source: washingtonpost.com
- 03 Dec Frank Thompson Jr. convicted in Abscam scandal: On December 3, 1980, Frank Thompson Jr., a Democratic congressman from New Jersey, was convicted of bribery and conspiracy charges related to the FBI's Abscam operation. He resigned from Congress on December 29, 1980, and served two years in prison. source: justice.gov
- 12 Dec US Copyright Law expanded to include software: On December 12, 1980, the United States expanded its copyright law to explicitly include software as a protected form of intellectual property. This change was significant in recognizing software as a creative work, thus providing legal protections against unauthorized copying and distribution. The amendment aimed to foster innovation in the software industry by ensuring that creators could benefit from their work. source: copyright.gov
- 18 Dec Vietnam adopts new constitution on December 18, 1980: On December 18, 1980, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam adopted the 1980 Constitution during its seventh session. This constitution, consisting of 12 chapters and 147 articles, outlined the political, economic, cultural, and social systems of the country, as well as the fundamental rights and obligations of its citizens. It also established the organizational structure and operational principles of state agencies, reflecting Vietnam's transition to socialism. source: en.baucuquochoi.vn
What happened in 1980?
Discover what the world looked like in 1980: