1981 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1981 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 04 Feb U.S. Congressman Jon Hinson arrested on sodomy charge: On February 4, 1981, U.S. Representative Jon Hinson (R-Miss.) was arrested in a public restroom of the Longworth House Office Building and charged with attempted sodomy after engaging in sexual activity with a male Library of Congress employee. At that time, such acts were criminal offenses, and Hinson faced a felony charge that could have resulted in up to ten years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The U.S. Attorney's office later reduced the charge to a misdemeanor, and Hinson pleaded not guilty, leading to a trial scheduled for May 4, 1981. He resigned from Congress on April 13, 1981, amid the scandal. source: washingtonpost.com
- 05 Feb Robert Garwood convicted of collaborating with the enemy: On February 5, 1981, Marine Pfc. Robert Garwood was convicted by a military jury of collaborating with the enemy during his captivity in North Vietnam. The jury, composed of five Marine Corps officers, found Garwood guilty of communicating with the enemy and assaulting a fellow prisoner of war. He was sentenced to a dishonorable discharge, reduction to the lowest rank, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances, but was not sentenced to confinement. Garwood's conviction was upheld on appeal. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Feb George Harrison ordered to pay $587,000 for 'subconscious plagiarism' of 'My Sweet Lord': On February 19, 1981, U.S. District Judge Richard Owen ruled that George Harrison must pay $587,000 in damages for 'subconsciously' plagiarizing The Chiffons' 1963 song 'He's So Fine' in his 1970 hit 'My Sweet Lord'. The court found that Harrison's song was similar to 'He's So Fine', constituting copyright infringement. The damages were reduced from the original $1.6 million due to Allen Klein's breach of fiduciary duty in acquiring the rights to 'He's So Fine'. source: upi.com
- 24 Feb Jean Harris convicted of second-degree murder in Dr. Herman Tarnower's death: On February 24, 1981, Jean Harris, former headmistress of The Madeira School, was found guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting death of her lover, Dr. Herman Tarnower, a renowned cardiologist and author of 'The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet.' The incident occurred on March 10, 1980, at Tarnower's home in Purchase, New York. Harris was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on March 20, 1981. source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Mar Jean Harris sentenced to 15 years for murder of Dr. Herman Tarnower: On March 20, 1981, Jean Harris, former headmistress of the Madeira School, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of her lover, Dr. Herman Tarnower, a renowned cardiologist and author of 'The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet.' Harris had been convicted on February 24, 1981, after a 14-week trial where she claimed the shooting was accidental during a struggle over the gun. The case garnered significant media attention and public interest. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Mar H.L. v. Matheson: Supreme Court upholds parental notification for minors seeking abortion: In H.L. v. Matheson, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Utah law requiring physicians to notify a minor's parents before performing an abortion. The Court emphasized the importance of family integrity and protecting adolescents, stating that parental notification serves significant interests in family guidance and adolescent protection. However, the law did not grant parents veto power over the minor's decision. Justices Marshall, Brennan, and Blackmun dissented. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Mar Carol Burnett wins libel suit against National Enquirer: On March 26, 1981, a Los Angeles jury awarded comedian Carol Burnett $1.6 million in damages after she sued the National Enquirer for libel. The tabloid had published a 1976 article falsely implying Burnett was drunk and disorderly in a Washington restaurant. Burnett, who had been a vocal advocate against alcoholism, was deeply hurt by the false portrayal. The jury's unanimous verdict included $300,000 in general damages and $1.3 million in punitive damages. Burnett expressed her intention to donate the entire award to charity. source: washingtonpost.com
- 07 Apr Salvadoran Treasury Police execute 23 civilians in Soyapango: On April 7, 1981, Salvadoran Treasury Police dragged 23 individuals from their homes in the working-class suburb of Soyapango, San Salvador, and executed them in the streets. This incident is among numerous human rights abuses attributed to government forces during the Salvadoran Civil War. source: upi.com
- 13 Apr Janet Cooke's Pulitzer Prize for "Jimmy's World": In April 1981, Janet Cooke, a reporter for The Washington Post, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing for her article "Jimmy's World," which profiled an alleged 8-year-old heroin addict in Washington, D.C. The story sparked public concern and led to an investigation revealing that Cooke had fabricated the entire account. She admitted to the fabrication, returned the prize, and resigned from the newspaper. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Apr Reagan pardons FBI agents Felt and Miller: On April 15, 1981, President Ronald Reagan granted full and unconditional pardons to W. Mark Felt and Edward S. Miller, former top FBI officials convicted of authorizing illegal break-ins during the 1970s search for radical anti-war fugitives. Reagan stated that to punish them further after three years of criminal prosecution would not serve the ends of justice, emphasizing their service to the nation with great distinction. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 01 May Senator Harrison Williams Convicted in Abscam Scandal: Senator Harrison Williams, a Democrat from New Jersey, was convicted on FBI Abscam charges, marking a significant moment in political corruption investigations during the early 1980s.
- 06 May Maurice Papon's Nazi collaboration exposed: On May 6, 1981, the French satirical weekly 'Le Canard Enchaîné' published an article revealing that Maurice Papon, then Budget Minister under President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, had ordered the deportation of 1,690 Jews from Bordeaux to Nazi death camps during World War II. The article included documents signed by Papon, implicating him in these actions. This revelation led to legal proceedings, culminating in Papon's 1998 conviction for complicity in crimes against humanity. source: theguardian.com
- 15 May First female prison officer murdered on duty in New York State: On May 15, 1981, Donna A. Payant, a 31-year-old corrections officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York, was murdered by inmate Lemuel Smith. This marked the first time a female corrections officer was killed on duty in the United States. Payant had been employed at the facility for less than a month before her tragic death. source: correctionhistory.org
- 21 May Propaganda Due Membership List Revealed: The Italian government publicly released the membership list of Propaganda Due (P2), an illegal pseudo-Masonic lodge deeply implicated in numerous criminal activities and political conspiracies, exposing a significant network of corruption. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 23 May First Victim of the Ripper Crew: The first victim of the notorious Ripper Crew, a satanic cult operating in Chicago, was abducted in the suburb of Elmhurst, marking the beginning of a series of horrific crimes.
- 08 Jun Morton Grove enacts landmark handgun ban: On June 8, 1981, Morton Grove, Illinois, became the first U.S. municipality to ban the sale and possession of handguns, exempting law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed gun clubs. The ordinance faced legal challenges but was upheld by U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Decker on December 29, 1981, affirming its constitutionality. The ban remained in effect until its repeal in 2008. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Jun Supreme Court upholds male-only draft registration in Rostker v. Goldberg: On June 25, 1981, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Rostker v. Goldberg that requiring only men to register for the military draft was constitutional. The Court reasoned that, since women were excluded from combat roles at the time, they were not similarly situated for purposes of a draft. This decision has been cited in subsequent cases challenging the male-only registration requirement. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Jul Dames & Moore v. Regan: Supreme Court Decision on Hostage Claims Against Iran: On July 2, 1981, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Dames & Moore v. Regan that President Jimmy Carter's Executive Order 12170, which froze Iranian assets in the U.S. in response to the Iran hostage crisis, was constitutional. The decision upheld the suspension of civil claims against Iran, including those by former hostages, and authorized the transfer of $2.3 billion in Iranian assets to Iran. source: cia.gov
- 07 Jul Sandra Day O'Connor nominated to the Supreme Court: On July 7, 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court, making her the first woman to hold this position in U.S. history. O'Connor's appointment was a significant milestone for gender equality in the judiciary and paved the way for more women in legal and political roles. source: archives.gov
- 08 Jul Sandra Day O'Connor confirmed as first female Supreme Court Justice: On July 8, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the first female Justice of the Supreme Court. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in U.S. history, paving the way for greater representation of women in the judiciary. O'Connor served on the Court until her retirement in 2006, influencing many landmark decisions during her tenure. source: archives.gov
- 10 Jul Notorious Criminal Ken McElroy Murdered: Ken Rex McElroy was killed by unknown gunmen in Skidmore, Missouri, in a vigilante-style incident involving approximately 60 local residents who were frustrated with his repeated legal violations. The murder highlighted community tensions and complex issues of local justice.
- 22 Jul FTC approves regulation of undertakers: On July 22, 1981, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved regulations requiring funeral homes to provide itemized price lists to consumers, aiming to protect them from deceptive practices. The rules also prohibited certain unfair practices, such as mandating the purchase of expensive caskets for cremation. The regulations were set to take effect after a 90-day congressional review period. source: upi.com
- 30 Jul Belgian Senate passes anti-racism legislation: On July 30, 1981, Belgium enacted the Law of 30 July 1981 on the Punishment of Certain Acts inspired by Racism or Xenophobia, commonly known as the Belgian Anti-Racism Law. This legislation criminalized acts motivated by racism or xenophobia, including incitement to discrimination, hatred, or violence based on race, color, origin, or national or ethnic descent. The law was passed by the Belgian Federal Parliament, with the Senate approving it on July 24, 1981, and it received royal assent on July 30, 1981. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Aug Adam Walsh's murder led to significant changes in child safety measures: The abduction and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh in 1981 prompted widespread reforms in child safety. His parents, John and Reve Walsh, became prominent advocates, leading to the establishment of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 1984. Additionally, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 created a national database of convicted child sex offenders and strengthened federal penalties for crimes against children. source: history.com
- 19 Aug Sandra Day O'Connor appointed to the Supreme Court: On August 19, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed as the first female Justice of the United States Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in U.S. history, breaking gender barriers in the highest court. O'Connor served on the Court until her retirement in 2006, becoming a pivotal figure in many landmark decisions. source: archives.gov
- 24 Aug Mark David Chapman sentenced to 20 years to life for John Lennon's murder: On August 24, 1981, Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of John Lennon. Chapman had pleaded guilty to the charge, stating that he believed it was God's will to confess. During the sentencing, he read a passage from 'The Catcher in the Rye.' source: history.com
- 28 Aug John W. Hinckley Jr. pleads not guilty to Reagan assassination attempt: On August 28, 1981, John W. Hinckley Jr. pleaded not guilty in a federal courtroom to charges of attempting to assassinate President Ronald Reagan and wounding three others in a shooting incident five months prior. During the 30-minute proceeding, Hinckley, wearing a bulletproof vest, spoke only the words 'not guilty' in a low voice. No trial date was set, and the judge found Hinckley competent to stand trial on a 13-count indictment. A defense request for 30 more days of psychiatric tests was granted, as Hinckley's lawyer had not yet decided whether to use an insanity defense. source: upi.com
- 15 Sep Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves Sandra Day O'Connor for Supreme Court seat: On September 15, 1981, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Sandra Day O'Connor's nomination to the Supreme Court, making her the first woman nominated for the position. The full Senate confirmed her nomination on September 21, 1981, by a vote of 99-0. source: archives.gov
- 21 Sep Sandra Day O'Connor becomes first female Supreme Court justice: On September 21, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as the first female justice of the United States Supreme Court. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, her confirmation marked a significant milestone in the history of the U.S. judiciary, paving the way for greater female representation in the legal field. O'Connor served on the Court until her retirement in 2006, becoming a pivotal figure in many landmark decisions. source: archives.gov
- 25 Sep Sandra Day O'Connor becomes first female Supreme Court justice: On September 25, 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as the first female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan on July 7, 1981, she was confirmed unanimously by the Senate on September 21, 1981. O'Connor served on the Court for 25 years, known for her moderate conservative views and pivotal role in many landmark decisions. source: archives.gov
- 28 Sep Joseph Paul Franklin sentenced to life imprisonment for Utah murders: On September 28, 1981, Joseph Paul Franklin, an avowed racist and domestic terrorist, was sentenced to consecutive life prison terms for the sniper killings of two Black joggers in Salt Lake City. Franklin's killing spree, spanning the late 1970s and early 1980s, targeted Black and Jewish individuals, leading to multiple convictions and life sentences across various states. source: fbi.gov
- 29 Sep Reagan's Executive Order 12324 on Haitian Refugee Interdiction: On September 29, 1981, President Ronald Reagan issued Executive Order 12324, authorizing the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept and return vessels carrying undocumented Haitian migrants attempting to enter the United States by sea. This order aimed to prevent illegal migration and enforce U.S. immigration laws, while ensuring that individuals fleeing political persecution were not returned without their consent. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 09 Oct France abolishes capital punishment: On October 9, 1981, France abolished the death penalty under the Act of 9 October 1981, following a commitment by Justice Minister Robert Badinter. This law was a significant step in France's campaign to promote human dignity. The abolition was incorporated into the Constitution of the Fifth Republic by the Constitutional Act of 23 February 2007, which stipulates that "no one shall be sentenced to death." source: diplomatie.gouv.fr
- 22 Oct FLRA decertifies PATCO as bargaining agent for air traffic controllers: On October 22, 1981, the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) voted to decertify the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) as the exclusive bargaining agent for federal air traffic controllers. This decision followed PATCO's illegal strike on August 3, 1981, which led to the dismissal of approximately 11,500 controllers. The FLRA's action marked the first time a federal workers' union was stripped of its bargaining rights. The decision was temporarily stayed by a federal appeals court, but the decertification was ultimately upheld. PATCO was officially terminated in July 1982, and its members were replaced by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Nov Dr. George Nichopoulos acquitted in Elvis Presley drug prescription case: Dr. George Nichopoulos, Elvis Presley's personal physician, was acquitted on November 4, 1981, of 11 counts of overprescribing addictive drugs to Presley and other patients. The jury found that Nichopoulos acted in the best interests of his patients, despite evidence of extensive drug prescriptions. In 1995, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners permanently suspended his medical license for overprescribing to numerous patients. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Nov Mauritania abolishes slavery in 1981: On November 9, 1981, Mauritania became the last country to officially abolish slavery. Despite the legal abolition, the practice persisted in various forms, leading to ongoing human rights concerns. The government has faced criticism for not effectively enforcing the law against slavery and for the continued existence of bonded labor in some communities. source: bbc.com
- 20 Nov Bulelani Ngcuka arrested in 1981: In November 1981, Bulelani Ngcuka, a young attorney and anti-apartheid activist, was arrested under the Terrorism Act. He was detained for eight months in solitary confinement and later sentenced to three years in prison for refusing to testify at a high-treason trial. During his imprisonment, he completed his LLB degree through the University of South Africa. source: iol.co.za
- 09 Dec Murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner: On December 9, 1981, at approximately 3:55 a.m., Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by William Cook, the brother of Mumia Abu-Jamal. During the stop, Cook assaulted Faulkner, leading to a physical altercation. Abu-Jamal, who was nearby, intervened by shooting Faulkner in the back and face. Faulkner returned fire, wounding Abu-Jamal in the chest. Despite his injuries, Abu-Jamal stood over Faulkner and fired additional shots, fatally wounding him. Abu-Jamal was arrested at the scene, and his revolver, containing five spent cartridges, was found beside him. He was charged with first-degree murder and, after a trial in 1982, was convicted and sentenced to death. The case has been the subject of extensive legal proceedings and public debate over the years. source: en.wikipedia.org
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