1987 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1987 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 13 Jan Three Mafia bosses sentenced to 100 years in prison each in New York: On January 13, 1987, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Owen sentenced three prominent Mafia bosses—Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno of the Genovese family, Carmine "Junior" Persico of the Colombo family, and Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo of the Lucchese family—to 100 years in prison each. The sentences were part of the historic Mafia Commission Trial, which convicted these leaders of racketeering activities, including extortion, loan-sharking, and murder. Judge Owen emphasized the severity of their crimes, stating that they had spent their lives "terrorizing this community to [their] financial gain." source: washingtonpost.com
- 28 Jan Minnesota Governor Perpich files lawsuit against U.S. Department of Defense over National Guard deployment: On January 28, 1987, Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense, challenging the constitutionality of the Montgomery Amendment, which allowed federal deployment of National Guard units without state consent. Perpich argued that the amendment violated the Militia Clauses of the U.S. Constitution, which grant states authority over their militias. The case, Perpich v. Department of Defense, was ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1990, affirming the federal government's authority to deploy National Guard units without state approval. source: washingtonpost.com
- 29 Jan Lisa Strawberry files for legal separation from Darryl Strawberry: On January 29, 1987, Lisa Strawberry filed a petition for legal separation from her husband, New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry, in Los Angeles Superior Court. She accused him of breaking her nose after a game in October 1986. The court granted her a temporary restraining order, preventing Darryl from approaching her or their 19-month-old son, pending a hearing on February 18. source: latimes.com
- 02 Feb Philippine Constitution ratified by plebiscite: On February 2, 1987, the Constitution of the Philippines was ratified by a nationwide plebiscite, replacing the 1973 Constitution. The new Constitution established a democratic and republican form of government, restored the bicameral Congress, and included a bill of rights. It remains the supreme law of the Philippines to this day. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Feb First woman appointed to Australian High Court: On February 6, 1987, Justice Mary Gaudron was appointed to the High Court of Australia, becoming the first woman to serve on the bench. Prior to this, she was the Solicitor-General of New South Wales, the first woman to hold that position in any Australian state. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the advancement of women in the Australian legal profession. source: peo.gov.au
- 11 Feb Philippines adopts new constitution: On February 2, 1987, the Philippines ratified a new constitution through a nationwide plebiscite, with 76.37% of voters in favor. The constitution, drafted by the 1986 Constitutional Commission, took effect on February 11, 1987, replacing the provisional 'Freedom Constitution' and establishing a democratic and republican state with a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Feb $7 million damages awarded in KKK civil rights lawsuit: On February 12, 1987, a federal jury in Mobile, Alabama, awarded $7 million in damages to the family of Michael Donald, a 19-year-old African American man lynched in 1981. The lawsuit targeted the United Klans of America, leading to its bankruptcy. This landmark case set a precedent for holding hate groups financially accountable for their actions. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Feb John Demjanjuk trial begins in Jerusalem: On February 16, 1987, the trial of John Demjanjuk commenced in Jerusalem District Court. Demjanjuk, a retired U.S. auto worker, was accused of being 'Ivan the Terrible,' a notorious guard at the Treblinka death camp during World War II. The trial attracted significant attention, with over 250,000 Israelis and tourists attending, many to hear Holocaust survivors testify about their experiences. The proceedings were occasionally interrupted by outbursts from the audience, and the defense faced challenges, including disputes between Demjanjuk's Israeli and American lawyers. The trial concluded on April 18, 1988, with Demjanjuk being found guilty on all counts. source: upi.com
- 25 Feb Supreme Court upholds affirmative action in promotions: On February 25, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an affirmative action plan requiring that blacks receive half of all promotions among Alabama’s state troopers. The 5-4 decision concluded that such a measure was necessary to remedy "pervasive, systematic and obstinate" racial discrimination in the state's Department of Public Safety. source: latimes.com
- 12 Mar Federal judge dismisses Oliver North's lawsuits against independent counsel: On March 12, 1987, U.S. District Court Judge Barrington D. Parker dismissed two lawsuits filed by Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, challenging the constitutionality of independent counsel Lawrence E. Walsh's investigation into the Iran-Contra affair. Judge Parker stated that North had no cause for complaint at that point and that any future complaints would likely be rejected on their merits. He emphasized the nation's demand for an expeditious and complete disclosure of the government's involvement in the Iran-Contra affair. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Mar Supreme Court rules affirmative action applies to women: On March 25, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that employers may consider applicants' sex in hiring and promotion decisions for jobs traditionally held by men. This landmark decision extended affirmative action protections to women, allowing them to be promoted over more qualified men to correct gender imbalances in the workforce. The ruling was praised by women's groups and criticized by conservatives who viewed it as a perversion of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Apr Harvey Proctor's court appearance at Bow Street Magistrates Court: On April 16, 1987, Harvey Proctor, a Member of Parliament for Billericay, Essex, appeared at Bow Street Magistrates Court in London, where he admitted to four charges of gross indecency involving teenage rent boys. This admission led to his resignation from Parliament and marked a significant scandal in British politics. source: gettyimages.dk
- 20 Apr US deports Nazi war crimes suspect Karl Linnas to Soviet Union: On April 20, 1987, Karl Linnas, a former Nazi concentration camp commandant, was deported from the United States to the Soviet Union. Linnas had been convicted in absentia by a Soviet court in 1962 for war crimes committed during World War II, including the deaths of approximately 12,000 people at the Tartu concentration camp in Estonia. Despite his appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his case, leading to his deportation. He died in a Soviet prison hospital on July 2, 1987. source: theguardian.com
- 22 Apr Supreme Court upholds death sentence despite racial bias evidence: On April 22, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McCleskey v. Kemp that statistical evidence of racial disparities in Georgia's death penalty system was insufficient to overturn Warren McCleskey's death sentence. The Court concluded that without proof of intentional discrimination in McCleskey's specific case, the death sentence stood, acknowledging racial disparities as "an inevitable part of our criminal justice system." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 May Klaus Barbie war crimes trial begins in Lyon, France: On May 11, 1987, Klaus Barbie, the former Gestapo chief of Lyon during World War II, stood trial in Lyon, France, for crimes against humanity. Barbie was charged with 41 counts, including the deportation of 44 Jewish children from Izieu to Auschwitz in 1944. The trial lasted eight weeks, culminating in his conviction and life imprisonment on July 4, 1987. source: britannica.com
- 20 May Memphis court rules in favor of Jerry Lawler against WWF over 'King of Wrestling' moniker: On May 20, 1987, a Memphis court ruled in favor of Jerry 'The King' Lawler in his lawsuit against the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Lawler had sued the WWF for promoting Harley Race as 'The King of Wrestling' at a recent Memphis event, alleging that the use of this moniker, long associated with Lawler, caused confusion among local wrestling fans. The court's decision prohibited the WWF from using the 'King of Wrestling' gimmick at events in Tennessee, affirming Lawler's territorial rights over the title. source: cagesideseats.com
- 26 May US Supreme Court upholds pretrial detention in United States v. Salerno: On May 26, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Salerno that the Bail Reform Act of 1984, which allows federal courts to detain arrestees prior to trial if they are deemed a danger to society, is constitutional. The Court held that such preventive detention does not violate the Due Process or Excessive Bail Clauses of the Constitution. source: washingtonpost.com
- 12 Jun Jean-Bédel Bokassa sentenced to death for murder and embezzlement: On June 12, 1987, former Central African Republic emperor Jean-Bédel Bokassa was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder and embezzlement during his 13-year reign. He was acquitted of charges including cannibalism and theft of crown jewels. The court did not set a date for his execution, and he had three days to appeal. source: washingtonpost.com
- 16 Jun Bernhard Goetz acquitted of major charges in subway shooting trial: On June 16, 1987, a Manhattan jury acquitted Bernhard Goetz of all major charges, including attempted murder and assault, in the shooting of four young men on a New York City subway in 1984. However, Goetz was convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon for carrying an unlicensed firearm. The jury deliberated for four days before reaching the verdict. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Jun Supreme Court rules against Louisiana's creationism law: On June 19, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in Edwards v. Aguillard that Louisiana's 'Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science in Public School Instruction Act' was unconstitutional. The Court determined that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment by promoting a particular religious viewpoint in public schools. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Jun Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr. announces retirement from U.S. Supreme Court: On June 26, 1987, Justice Lewis F. Powell Jr. announced his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, effective immediately. At 79, Powell cited his age and health as primary reasons for his decision. He had served on the Court for 15 and a half years, having been appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1971. Powell's retirement opened a vacancy that President Ronald Reagan sought to fill, leading to the nomination of Robert Bork, which was later withdrawn. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 04 Jul Klaus Barbie convicted of crimes against humanity: Klaus Barbie, a former Nazi officer known as the 'Butcher of Lyon,' was convicted in France on July 4, 1987, for crimes against humanity. He was responsible for the torture and deportation of numerous individuals during World War II. His trial marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for war crimes committed during the Holocaust. source: britannica.com
- 25 Jul Fairness Doctrine Rescinded: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminated the Fairness Doctrine, which had previously required radio and television stations to present controversial issues in a balanced manner. This decision significantly impacted media broadcasting standards.
- 27 Jul John Demjanjuk testifies in his own defense during Israeli war crimes trial: On July 27, 1987, John Demjanjuk, a retired Cleveland auto worker, took the stand in his own defense during his war crimes trial in Israel. He denied being 'Ivan the Terrible,' a notorious guard at the Treblinka death camp, and claimed he was a victim of mistaken identity. Demjanjuk's testimony lasted 4.5 hours, during which he recounted his early life in Ukraine and his time as a Soviet prisoner of war. source: washingtonpost.com
- 21 Aug Marine Sgt. Clayton Lonetree convicted of espionage: On August 21, 1987, Marine Sergeant Clayton Lonetree was convicted of espionage and 12 related charges for providing classified information to the Soviet KGB while serving as a guard at the U.S. embassies in Moscow and Vienna. He was the first Marine court-martialed for espionage, facing a potential life sentence. source: washingtonpost.com
- 15 Sep Robert Bork Supreme Court confirmation hearings begin: On September 15, 1987, the Senate Judiciary Committee commenced confirmation hearings for Judge Robert Bork, nominated by President Ronald Reagan for the Supreme Court. The hearings, which lasted 12 days, were marked by intense scrutiny of Bork's conservative legal views and his role in the Watergate scandal. Despite his extensive qualifications, the Senate ultimately rejected his nomination on October 23, 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
- 07 Oct Bess Myerson indicted on bribery charges: Former Miss America Bess Myerson was indicted on federal charges, including conspiracy and mail fraud, for allegedly influencing a state judge to reduce alimony payments in favor of her boyfriend, Carl A. Capasso. The indictment also named Capasso and former state Supreme Court Justice Hortense W. Gabel. Myerson resigned from her position as New York City's cultural affairs commissioner in April 1987 amid the investigation. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Oct Bernhard Goetz sentenced to six months in jail for subway shootings: On October 19, 1987, Bernhard Goetz was sentenced to six months in prison for the 1984 subway shooting incident, where he wounded four teenagers. The sentence also included a $5,000 fine, five years' probation, psychiatric treatment, and 280 hours of community service. Goetz had been acquitted of attempted murder charges but convicted of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. source: washingtonpost.com
- 22 Oct Lester Piggott Jailed for Tax Evasion: Champion English jockey Lester Piggott, a legendary figure in horse racing, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of tax evasion, marking a dramatic fall from grace.
- 26 Oct Assassination of Herbert Anaya, Salvadoran Human Rights Leader: Herbert Anaya Sanabria, president of the Human Rights Commission of El Salvador (CDHES), was assassinated on October 26, 1987, near his home in San Salvador. His death led to widespread protests and international condemnation, with human rights organizations demanding a thorough investigation. The Commission on the Truth for El Salvador, established as part of the peace agreement, was unable to conclusively determine the perpetrators of Anaya's assassination. source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Nov Lisa Steinberg child abuse case: In 1987, 6-year-old Lisa Steinberg died after being severely beaten by her adoptive father, Joel Steinberg. The case highlighted systemic failures in child abuse detection and led to significant legal and social reforms. source: washingtonpost.com
- 05 Nov Supreme Court Nominee's Marijuana Admission: Douglas H. Ginsburg, a US Supreme Court nominee, publicly admitted to previous marijuana use, which ultimately impacted his nomination process and highlighted societal attitudes towards drug use in professional and political contexts.
- 11 Nov President Reagan nominates Judge Anthony Kennedy to Supreme Court: On November 11, 1987, President Ronald Reagan announced his nomination of Judge Anthony M. Kennedy to the U.S. Supreme Court, following the withdrawal of Judge Douglas Ginsburg due to past marijuana use. Kennedy, a federal appellate judge from California, was confirmed unanimously by the Senate on February 3, 1988, and served on the Court until his retirement in 2018. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 30 Nov Arthur H. Dean Passes Away: Arthur H. Dean, a distinguished American lawyer, ambassador, and presidential advisor, died at the age of 89 on November 30, 1987. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to diplomatic and legal fields.
- 02 Dec Hustler Magazine v. Falwell Supreme Court Case: On December 2, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell. The case involved a parody advertisement published by Hustler magazine that depicted Reverend Jerry Falwell in a satirical and offensive manner. Falwell sued for libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The Court's decision, issued on February 24, 1988, held that public figures cannot recover damages for emotional distress caused by parodies unless the publication contains a false statement of fact made with actual malice. source: law.cornell.edu
- 18 Dec Ivan Boesky sentenced to three years in prison for insider trading: On December 18, 1987, financier Ivan Boesky was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiring to make false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Boesky had pleaded guilty to one felony count related to insider trading activities. Despite facing a maximum penalty of five years and a $250,000 fine, he was not fined as part of a plea agreement. Boesky's cooperation with authorities, including providing tape recordings of conversations implicating other Wall Street figures, was considered in the sentencing. He was also ordered to pay a $100 million fine to settle civil charges. Boesky began serving his sentence in March 1988. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Dec Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme escapes from federal prison: On December 23, 1987, Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, escaped from the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, where she was serving a life sentence for attempting to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975. She was recaptured two days later, approximately two miles from the prison, and was subsequently sentenced to an additional 15 months for the escape. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Dec Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme recaptured after prison escape: On December 23, 1987, Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, escaped from the Federal Correctional Institution at Alderson, West Virginia, where she was serving a life sentence for attempting to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975. After a nationwide search, she was recaptured on December 25, 1987, approximately two miles from the prison. Fromme was subsequently convicted of escaping from prison and received an additional 15-month sentence. source: washingtonpost.com
- 30 Dec ZZZZ Best Fraud Exposed: Barry Minkow's fraudulent carpet cleaning business 'ZZZZ Best' was revealed, leading to legal consequences and exposing significant corporate fraud.
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