1985 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1985 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan First Mandatory Seat Belt Law in US: New York becomes the first US state to implement a mandatory seat belt law, marking a significant milestone in road safety legislation.
- 14 Jan US indicts sanctuary providers for Central American refugees: On January 14, 1985, a federal grand jury indicted 16 individuals associated with the Sanctuary Movement, a network of U.S. churches offering refuge to Central American refugees fleeing civil conflicts. The charges included harboring and transporting illegal aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324. This legal action intensified debates over the movement's humanitarian efforts and U.S. immigration policies. source: usccb.org
- 18 Jan United States withdraws from World Court jurisdiction in Nicaragua case: On January 18, 1985, the United States withdrew from International Court of Justice proceedings initiated by Nicaragua, which accused the U.S. of supporting efforts to overthrow the Nicaraguan government. The U.S. cited concerns over the court's jurisdiction and the misuse of the proceedings for political purposes. This marked the first time in 15 years that a nation had exited the court during ongoing proceedings. source: upi.com
- 09 Feb Mauritania's 1985 Constitutional Charter: On February 9, 1985, Mauritania's Military Committee for National Salvation (CMSN) promulgated the Constitutional Charter, serving as the de facto constitution. The charter eliminated democratic elements from the 1961 constitution, declared Islam the state religion, and pledged adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also outlined the CMSN's powers, including establishing national policies and ratifying international agreements. source: lawcat.berkeley.edu
- 23 Feb Edwin Meese III confirmed as U.S. Attorney General: On February 23, 1985, the U.S. Senate confirmed Edwin Meese III as the 75th Attorney General of the United States with a 63-31 vote. Meese, who had served as President Reagan's Counselor since 1981, faced a prolonged confirmation process due to ethical concerns but was ultimately approved. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 25 Feb FBI indicts heads of New York's five Mafia families: On February 25, 1985, the FBI indicted the leaders of New York City's five Mafia families—Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Colombo, and Bonanno—on charges including racketeering, extortion, and labor racketeering. This marked a significant federal crackdown on organized crime, aiming to dismantle the Commission that governed these families' operations. source: fbi.gov
- 16 Mar Denny McLain convicted on multiple charges: On March 16, 1985, former Major League Baseball pitcher Denny McLain was convicted in Tampa, Florida, on charges including racketeering, extortion, conspiracy, and cocaine possession. The jury deliberated for over three days before reaching a verdict. McLain faced a maximum penalty of 75 years in prison and fines totaling $75,000. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Mar Edwin Meese III appointed as US Attorney General: Edwin Meese III was sworn in as the 75th Attorney General of the United States on March 25, 1985. He served under President Ronald Reagan and was known for his conservative views on law and order, as well as his involvement in various legal controversies during his tenure. Meese's appointment was significant in shaping the legal landscape of the Reagan administration. source: archives.gov
- 08 Apr India files lawsuit against Union Carbide over Bhopal disaster: On April 8, 1985, the Indian government filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) in connection with the Bhopal gas leak disaster. The suit sought compensation for the victims, punitive damages, and recovery of the government's costs of emergency relief. The complaint did not specify the amount of money being sought. source: pubs.acs.org
- 24 Apr West Germany enacts law against Holocaust denial: On April 24, 1985, West Germany passed a law making Holocaust denial a criminal offense. This legislation aimed to combat anti-Semitism and ensure that the historical facts of the Holocaust were recognized and respected. The law reflects Germany's commitment to confronting its Nazi past and preventing the spread of hate speech. source: britannica.com
- 25 Apr West Germany criminalizes Holocaust denial: In 1985, West Germany amended its criminal code to include provisions banning incitement to hatred, including through forms associated with denial of the Holocaust. This legislation made it a criminal offense to publicly approve, deny, or trivialize genocide committed under the National Socialist regime, with penalties of up to five years in prison or fines. The law aimed to prevent the spread of Nazi propaganda and protect the memory of Holocaust victims. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
- 14 May Execution of Indonesian labor activist Mohammed Munir: On May 14, 1985, Mohammed Munir, a prominent Indonesian labor leader and former General Secretary of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), was executed by firing squad. Munir had been imprisoned since 1966 for alleged involvement in the 1965 coup attempt, and his execution was part of a series of executions of former PKI members during that period. source: executedtoday.com
- 20 May John Anthony Walker Jr. arrested for espionage in Maryland: On May 20, 1985, former U.S. Navy communications specialist John Anthony Walker Jr. was arrested in Rockville, Maryland, after FBI agents observed him placing a bag containing classified Navy documents at a drop site in Montgomery County. The documents were intended for the Soviet Union. Walker was charged with espionage and held without bond pending a preliminary hearing. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 May Thomas Patrick Cavanagh sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage: On May 23, 1985, aerospace engineer Thomas Patrick Cavanagh was sentenced to two concurrent life terms in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to sell classified Stealth bomber technology to the Soviet Union. Arrested in December 1984, Cavanagh had been employed at Northrop Corporation and faced financial difficulties, which led him to seek $25,000 for the classified documents. Despite his actions, no serious compromise of national security occurred. source: cia.gov
- 04 Jun Supreme Court rules on Alabama's moment of silence law: On June 4, 1985, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Wallace v. Jaffree that Alabama's law authorizing a daily moment of silence for "meditation or voluntary prayer" in public schools violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. The Court found that the law's purpose was to promote prayer, thus endorsing religion in public schools. However, the Court also indicated that a moment of silence without such a religious purpose could be constitutional. source: washingtonpost.com
- 10 Jun Claus von Bülow acquitted in high-profile murder trial: Claus von Bülow, a Danish-born socialite, was acquitted on June 10, 1985, of charges alleging he attempted to murder his wife, Martha "Sunny" von Bülow, by insulin injection. The case attracted significant media attention, with von Bülow's defense successfully challenging the prosecution's evidence, leading to his acquittal after a retrial. source: washingtonpost.com
- 01 Jul Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Takes Effect: The Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, concluded in Strasbourg on March 21, 1983, entered into force on July 1, 1985. This international treaty facilitates the transfer of individuals convicted of crimes to serve their sentences in their home countries, aiming to promote social rehabilitation. As of March 2022, 68 countries have ratified or acceded to the Convention. source: rm.coe.int
- 23 Aug Paul Hornung wins $1.16 million lawsuit against NCAA: On August 23, 1985, a Jefferson Circuit Court jury in Lexington, Kentucky, awarded former football star Paul Hornung $1.16 million in damages after he claimed the NCAA damaged his broadcasting career by preventing him from working as a commentator for college football games. The NCAA had exercised its contractual right to approve announcers for WTBS's supplementary series, rejecting Hornung due to his association with professional football and a past gambling-related suspension. source: latimes.com
- 03 Oct Walter Polovchak Becomes Independent: Walter Polovchak, who gained international attention as a young Ukrainian immigrant who sought asylum in the United States, becomes a legal adult and 'free man' upon turning 18.
- 19 Nov Pennzoil awarded $10.53 billion judgment against Texaco: On November 19, 1985, a Houston jury found Texaco Inc. guilty of illegally interfering with Pennzoil Co.'s planned acquisition of Getty Oil Co., awarding Pennzoil $10.53 billion in damages, including $3 billion in punitive damages. This was the largest civil judgment in U.S. history at that time. source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Nov Federal judge rules on Yonkers housing and school segregation: On November 20, 1985, U.S. District Judge Leonard B. Sand ruled that Yonkers city officials and educators were liable for racial segregation in housing and schools. This landmark decision linked the two as causes of segregation, marking the first time a federal court had done so. The ruling followed a 92-day trial and was considered a significant civil rights decision in U.S. history. source: upi.com
- 02 Dec Philippine court acquits military officials in Aquino assassination case: On December 2, 1985, the Sandiganbayan court acquitted General Fabian C. Ver and 25 other military personnel of all charges related to the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. The court's decision was met with widespread criticism, with many believing it was influenced by President Ferdinand Marcos. The U.S. Ambassador to Manila, Stephen W. Bosworth, noted that the court ignored evidence suggesting a high-level conspiracy behind the assassination. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Dec Argentine junta leaders sentenced for human rights violations: On December 9, 1985, during the Trial of the Juntas, nine leading members of Argentina's military dictatorship were convicted for crimes committed during the 'Dirty War' (1976–1983). General Jorge Rafael Videla and Admiral Emilio Massera received life imprisonment sentences, while three others received lighter sentences. Four defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. This trial marked a significant step in Argentina's efforts to address past human rights abuses. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Dec Argentine junta leaders sentenced for human rights abuses: On December 10, 1985, a court in Argentina sentenced several leaders of the military junta that ruled from 1976 to 1983 for human rights violations, including torture and murder. This landmark trial marked a significant moment in Argentina's transition to democracy, holding former officials accountable for the atrocities committed during the 'Dirty War.' The sentences were part of a broader effort to address the legacy of state terrorism in the country. source: bbc.com
- 18 Dec UN Security Council Resolution 579 condemns hostage-taking: On December 18, 1985, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 579, expressing deep concern over the prevalence of hostage-taking incidents and their severe consequences for international relations. The resolution called for the immediate safe release of hostages, urged member states to become parties to the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages, and emphasized the need for effective measures to prosecute and prevent such acts as manifestations of international terrorism. source: undocs.org
- 24 Dec First use of DNA in criminal investigation: On December 24, 1985, DNA profiling was first used in a criminal investigation in the UK. This groundbreaking technique was employed to solve the case of the murder of two teenagers, helping to identify the perpetrator through genetic evidence. The use of DNA in forensic science has since revolutionized criminal investigations worldwide. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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