1990 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1990 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 09 Jan Supreme Court strikes down Dallas' ordinance imposing strict zoning on sexually oriented businesses: On January 9, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in FW/PBS, Inc. v. City of Dallas that Dallas's licensing scheme for sexually oriented businesses was unconstitutional. The Court determined that the ordinance imposed an unconstitutional prior restraint on First Amendment rights by lacking adequate procedural safeguards, such as a specified time frame for license issuance and prompt judicial review. This decision invalidated the city's regulatory framework for adult businesses. source: firstamendment.mtsu.edu
- 16 Jan BCCI subsidiaries plead guilty to money laundering charges: On January 16, 1990, two subsidiaries of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) pleaded guilty to charges of laundering drug money. The Bank of Credit and Commerce International Overseas Ltd. and the Bank of Credit and Commerce International S.A. agreed to forfeit over $14 million in certificates of deposit and were placed on five years' probation. This case was part of a broader investigation into BCCI's involvement in illicit financial activities. source: upi.com
- 18 Jan McMartin Preschool Trial Verdict: On January 18, 1990, a Los Angeles jury acquitted Peggy McMartin Buckey of all charges related to child molestation at the McMartin Preschool. The trial, which lasted nearly three years and cost over $13 million, ended without a single conviction. The jury deadlocked on 13 charges against her son, Ray Buckey, leading to a retrial. The case became emblematic of the 'Satanic Panic' era, highlighting issues in child abuse prosecutions. source: washingtonpost.com
- 22 Jan Robert Tappan Morris convicted for creating the Morris Worm: On January 22, 1990, a federal jury convicted Robert Tappan Morris, a 24-year-old Cornell University graduate student, for unleashing the Morris Worm in 1988. The worm infected approximately 6,000 computers, including systems at NASA and military facilities, causing significant disruptions. Morris was the first person prosecuted under the 1986 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Jan Manuel Noriega transferred to federal prison near Miami: On January 28, 1990, former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega was moved from the federal courthouse in Miami to the Metropolitan Correctional Center, a medium-security federal prison located 25 miles south of Miami. Noriega, who had been held in an underground facility at the courthouse since his arrival in the United States on January 4, 1990, faces federal drug trafficking and conspiracy charges. His trial was scheduled to begin on March 5, 1990. source: washingtonpost.com
- 30 Jan Exxon Valdez captain's trial begins: On January 30, 1990, the trial of former Exxon Valdez captain Joseph Hazelwood commenced in Anchorage, Alaska. Hazelwood faced charges including operating a vessel while intoxicated, reckless endangerment, and negligent discharge of oil, following the 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound. The trial lasted seven weeks, with Hazelwood ultimately acquitted of the most serious charges and convicted of a minor charge of negligent discharge of oil. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Feb Exxon and Exxon Shipping Co. indicted on multiple criminal charges related to Exxon Valdez oil spill: On February 27, 1990, a federal grand jury in Anchorage, Alaska, indicted Exxon Corporation and its subsidiary, Exxon Shipping Co., on five criminal charges stemming from the Exxon Valdez oil spill that occurred on March 24, 1989. The charges included violations of the Clean Water Act, the Refuse Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Ports and Waterways Safety Act, and the Dangerous Cargo Act. If convicted on all counts, Exxon faced fines exceeding $700 million. Exxon denied the charges and vowed to mount a vigorous defense. source: washingtonpost.com
- 28 Feb Secret Service raids Steve Jackson Games over alleged hacker activity: On March 1, 1990, the U.S. Secret Service raided the Austin, Texas, offices of Steve Jackson Games (SJG) as part of a nationwide investigation into data piracy. The raid targeted Loyd Blankenship, an employee and hacker known as 'The Mentor,' who was developing the 'GURPS Cyberpunk' role-playing game. Agents seized computers, printers, hard drives, over 300 floppy disks, and an entire bulletin board system server. Despite the extensive seizure, no charges were filed against SJG or its employees. The company filed a lawsuit against the Secret Service, resulting in a 1993 court decision that awarded damages and attorney's fees to SJG, criticizing the Secret Service's actions as 'sloppy' and unlawful. source: sjgames.com
- 05 Mar Secret Service raids Steve Jackson Games over alleged computer crime: On March 1, 1990, the U.S. Secret Service raided the Austin, Texas, offices of Steve Jackson Games, seizing computers, printers, and the manuscript for 'GURPS Cyberpunk.' The raid was part of a nationwide investigation into data piracy, with the Secret Service alleging that the company was involved in illegal computer activities. The company filed a lawsuit against the Secret Service, leading to a 1993 court decision that awarded damages and attorneys' fees to Steve Jackson Games, ruling the raid was illegal and unjustified. source: sjgames.com
- 13 Mar Iraq executes British journalist Farzad Bazoft: Farzad Bazoft, an Iranian-born journalist working for The Observer, was executed in Baghdad on March 15, 1990, after being convicted of espionage. He had been arrested in September 1989 for investigating an explosion at a military complex near Baghdad. Despite international appeals for clemency, including from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Bazoft was hanged at dawn. His execution led to Britain recalling its ambassador from Iraq and suspending all visits to the country. source: theguardian.com
- 15 Mar Farzad Bazoft executed in Iraq: Farzad Bazoft, a British-based Iranian journalist for The Observer, was executed in Iraq on March 15, 1990, after being convicted of espionage. He had been arrested in September 1989 for investigating an explosion at a military complex near Baghdad, which he believed was linked to chemical weapons. Despite international appeals for clemency, including from British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Bazoft was hanged at dawn. His execution led to the recall of the British ambassador and suspension of visits to Iraq. source: theguardian.com
- 20 Mar Imelda Marcos corruption trial begins: On March 20, 1990, former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos and Saudi financier Adnan Khashoggi went on trial in New York federal court. They faced charges of fraud, racketeering, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice, accused of siphoning over $100 million from the Philippine treasury into New York real estate and art. The trial lasted three months, concluding with acquittals for both defendants on July 2, 1990. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Mar Joseph Hazelwood sentenced to community service for Exxon Valdez oil spill: On March 23, 1990, Alaska Superior Court Judge Karl Johnstone sentenced former Exxon Valdez captain Joseph Hazelwood to 1,000 hours of community service, primarily focused on cleaning oil-soiled beaches in Alaska, and imposed a $50,000 fine for his conviction on a minor misdemeanor charge of negligent discharge of oil. Hazelwood had been acquitted of more serious charges, including operating a vessel while intoxicated. The sentencing aimed to address the environmental damage caused by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Apr John Poindexter convicted in Iran-Contra affair: On April 7, 1990, former National Security Advisor John Poindexter was convicted on five felony counts, including conspiracy, obstruction of Congress, and making false statements, related to the Iran-Contra affair. He was sentenced to six months in prison on each count, to be served concurrently. However, in 1991, the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed his convictions, citing that his immunized testimony before Congress may have influenced the trial testimony of witnesses. source: washingtonpost.com
- 05 Apr Jury rules in favor of Paul Newman in charity food business lawsuit: On April 5, 1990, a civil court jury unanimously ruled that actor Paul Newman did not owe a Westport delicatessen owner a share of his charity foods business. The lawsuit, filed by Julius Gold, claimed he was promised an 8% share of the profits for helping develop and market Newman's Own products. Newman expressed relief over the verdict, emphasizing the importance of the charity's integrity. source: upi.com
- 06 Apr John M. Poindexter convicted in Iran-Contra affair: On April 7, 1990, former National Security Advisor John M. Poindexter was convicted on five felony counts, including conspiracy, obstruction of Congress, and false statements, related to the Iran-Contra affair. He was sentenced to six months in prison on each count, to be served concurrently. However, in November 1991, a three-judge appeals panel reversed Poindexter's convictions, citing concerns that his immunized testimony before Congress may have influenced the trial testimony of witnesses. The Supreme Court declined to review the case in December 1992, and in 1993, the indictment was dismissed on the motion of Independent Counsel. source: faculty.chass.ncsu.edu
- 07 Apr Michael Milken pleads innocent to insider trading charges: On April 7, 1989, financier Michael Milken and his brother, Lowell, pleaded not guilty to charges of insider trading in a federal court in Manhattan. Both were released on their own recognizance following the brief hearing before Judge Kimba Wood. Milken, 42, was the head of Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc.'s high-risk, high-yield bond department. source: upi.com
- 18 Apr Osborne v. Ohio: Supreme Court upholds state laws against private possession of child pornography: On April 18, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Osborne v. Ohio that the First Amendment does not prohibit states from criminalizing the private possession of child pornography. The Court held that such laws serve the state's compelling interest in protecting children from exploitation and do not infringe upon free speech rights. The case was remanded for further proceedings consistent with this decision. source: firstamendment.mtsu.edu
- 20 Apr Pete Rose pleads guilty to tax evasion: On April 20, 1990, baseball legend Pete Rose pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false federal income tax returns. He admitted to failing to report approximately $355,000 in income from gambling, memorabilia sales, and personal appearances between 1984 and 1987. Rose faced potential sentences of up to six years in prison and fines up to $500,000. source: washingtonpost.com
- 21 Apr National League umpire Bob Engel arrested for stealing baseball cards: On April 21, 1990, Bob Engel, a 25-year veteran umpire in Major League Baseball, was arrested in Bakersfield, California, for stealing 4,180 baseball cards from a Target store. Engel, who had worked in the National League since 1965, was placed on a leave of absence pending the outcome of the charges. He retired shortly after pleading no contest to the theft, receiving a three-year probation sentence. source: scholar.lib.vt.edu
- 09 May Jimmy Breslin suspended for racial slurs against colleague: In May 1990, Jimmy Breslin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for Newsday, was suspended for two weeks without pay after making racial and sexual insults toward Ji-Yeon Mary Yuh, a Korean-American reporter who had criticized one of his columns. Breslin's outburst included calling Yuh 'slant-eyed' and a 'yellow cur.' Following the incident, Breslin apologized to the staff, and Newsday's management deemed his remarks 'offensive and inexcusable.' source: washingtonpost.com
- 17 May European Court mandates equal pension rights: On May 17, 1990, the European Court of Justice ruled in the Barber v Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Group case that occupational pension schemes must provide equal treatment for men and women, aligning with Article 119 of the EEC Treaty. This decision required equalization of retirement ages and benefits, impacting UK pension schemes. The ruling's effects were limited to service periods after May 17, 1990, as per the Barber Protocol. source: sackers.com
- 18 May Judy Carne arrested at JFK Airport on 11-year-old drug warrant: On May 18, 1990, actress Judy Carne, best known for her role on "Laugh-In," was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City due to an 11-year-old drug warrant. The warrant, dating back to the late 1970s, had remained unresolved for over a decade before resurfacing during her travel. This unexpected arrest drew significant media attention, highlighting Carne's past struggles with addiction. source: onthisday.com
- 11 Jun Supreme Court strikes down Flag Protection Act in United States v. Eichman: On June 11, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Eichman that the Flag Protection Act of 1989, which criminalized flag desecration, violated the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech. The Court held that the government's interest in preserving the flag as a symbol did not outweigh the individual's right to engage in expressive conduct, such as flag burning, as a form of political protest. source: washingtonpost.com
- 14 Jun Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of sobriety checkpoints: On June 14, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Michigan Department of State Police v. Sitz that police sobriety checkpoints do not violate the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Court emphasized the significant public interest in combating drunk driving and determined that the minimal intrusion on motorists was outweighed by the benefits of such checkpoints. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Jun Norway ratifies ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention: On June 19, 1990, Norway ratified the International Labour Organization's Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169), becoming the first country to do so. This convention recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to preserve and develop their language, culture, and way of life. Norway's ratification underscores its commitment to safeguarding the rights of the Sámi people, the indigenous group in Norway. source: loc.gov
- 21 Jun US House rejects flag desecration amendment: On June 21, 1990, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 254-177 against a proposed constitutional amendment that would have granted Congress and the states the authority to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag. The amendment required a two-thirds majority to pass but fell short by 34 votes. This decision followed the Supreme Court's 1989 ruling in Texas v. Johnson, which protected flag burning as a form of free speech under the First Amendment. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Jun Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health: On June 25, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health that states may require "clear and convincing" evidence of a patient's wishes before allowing the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. This landmark decision addressed the constitutional right to refuse medical treatment for individuals in a persistent vegetative state. source: washingtonpost.com
- 28 Jun Lotus Development Corporation v. Paperback Software International ruling: On June 28, 1990, Judge Keeton ruled in the case of Lotus Development Corporation v. Paperback Software International, addressing the copyrightability of a computer program's user interface. The court's decision was pivotal in determining the extent to which the 'look and feel' of software could be protected under copyright law. source: ocw.mit.edu
- 01 Jul Imelda Marcos acquitted of fraud and racketeering charges in U.S. court: On July 2, 1990, a U.S. District Court jury acquitted former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos of all federal fraud and racketeering charges. The prosecution alleged she misappropriated over $200 million from the Philippine government to purchase New York real estate, jewelry, and art. The jury deliberated for five days before delivering the verdict. Saudi financier Adnan Khashoggi, a co-defendant, was also acquitted. Marcos expressed gratitude for the jury system and stated, "I thank the almighty God for the vindication, and I am in great awe and respect for the jury system that symbolizes the soul of the American people." source: theguardian.com
- 02 Jul Imelda Marcos acquitted of fraud and racketeering charges in U.S. court: On July 2, 1990, former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos was acquitted by a U.S. District Court jury in New York of charges alleging she embezzled over $200 million from the Philippine government to purchase New York real estate, jewelry, and art. The jury deliberated for five days before returning the not-guilty verdict. Saudi financier Adnan Khashoggi, co-defendant in the case, was also acquitted. The trial lasted three months and was closely watched due to its international implications. Despite the acquittal, Philippine President Corazon Aquino stated that Marcos would remain barred from returning to the Philippines, citing national security concerns. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 Jul Pete Rose sentenced to five months in prison for tax evasion: On July 19, 1990, former baseball star Pete Rose was sentenced to five months in federal prison for filing false income tax returns. He was also fined $50,000 and ordered to perform 1,000 hours of community service. Rose had pleaded guilty to underreporting income from memorabilia sales and gambling winnings between 1984 and 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Jul Justice William Brennan resigns from Supreme Court: On July 20, 1990, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., 84, announced his immediate resignation after nearly 34 years on the bench, citing advancing age and a recent minor stroke. His departure provided President George H.W. Bush with his first opportunity to nominate a Supreme Court justice, potentially shifting the court's ideological balance. Brennan's tenure was marked by significant contributions to constitutional law, including the one-person, one-vote doctrine and expanded civil rights protections. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Jul Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. This landmark legislation aimed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, and transportation. The ADA has significantly improved accessibility and rights for people with disabilities across the United States. source: ada.gov
- 02 Aug US imposes ban on Iraqi antiquities imports following invasion of Kuwait: On August 2, 1990, in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the United States issued Executive Order 12722, declaring a national emergency and imposing comprehensive economic sanctions on Iraq. These sanctions included a complete trade embargo, effectively prohibiting the importation of Iraqi antiquities into the United States. This embargo was aligned with United Nations Security Council Resolution 661, adopted on August 6, 1990, which also imposed economic sanctions on Iraq. source: govinfo.gov
- 08 Aug Pete Rose begins five-month prison sentence for tax evasion: On August 8, 1990, former baseball star Pete Rose reported to a federal work camp in Marion, Illinois, to begin serving a five-month sentence for filing false income tax returns. Rose had pleaded guilty to failing to report over $350,000 in income from gambling, autograph signing, and baseball memorabilia sales. He was also fined $50,000 and ordered to perform 1,000 hours of community service. source: washingtonpost.com
- 11 Sep Australian court issues arrest warrant for media tycoon Christopher Skase: On September 12, 1990, a Queensland District Court judge issued an arrest warrant for Christopher Skase, former owner of the Seven Network, after he failed to provide evidence in a liquidator's examination of Lloyds Ships Holdings, an associate of his Qintex Australia Ltd. Skase had previously sought a written guarantee to return to Europe if he attended a National Companies and Securities Commission hearing in Brisbane into the affairs of his failed Qintex group. source: afr.com
- 12 Sep Kinmen Agreement signed by Red Cross societies of China and Taiwan: On September 12, 1990, the Red Cross societies of China and Taiwan signed the Kinmen Agreement in Kinmen, Fujian Province. This landmark accord established procedures for the repatriation of individuals illegally entering the other's territory, aiming to ensure humane treatment and prevent incidents like the Min Ping Yu No. 5540 and Min Ping Yu No. 5202 disasters, which resulted in a total of 46 deaths during repatriation operations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Sep David Souter's Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings Begin: On September 13, 1990, Judge David H. Souter's confirmation hearings commenced before the Senate Judiciary Committee. During the hearings, Souter expressed support for a constitutional right to privacy but declined to comment on the landmark Roe v. Wade decision regarding abortion rights. The hearings were marked by protests from groups such as ACT UP, who opposed Souter's nomination. The confirmation process concluded with the Senate confirming Souter by a 90-9 vote on October 2, 1990. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Sep Senate Judiciary Committee approves David Souter's Supreme Court nomination: On September 27, 1990, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-1 to recommend David H. Souter for the Supreme Court. The sole dissenting vote was cast by Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.). Souter's nomination was subsequently confirmed by the full Senate on October 2, 1990, with a 90-9 vote. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Oct Senate confirms David Souter to Supreme Court: On October 2, 1990, the U.S. Senate confirmed David Souter as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by a 90-9 vote. Nominated by President George H.W. Bush to succeed Justice William Brennan, Souter was sworn in on October 9, 1990. source: congress.gov
- 09 Oct David Souter sworn in as Supreme Court Justice: David H. Souter was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. He was confirmed by the Senate on October 2, 1990, and sworn in as an Associate Justice on October 9, 1990. source: supremecourt.gov
- 15 Oct End of Public Facility Segregation in South Africa: On October 15, 1990, South Africa's Parliament repealed the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act, effectively ending the legal basis for racial segregation in public facilities. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Nov Mike Tyson civil case verdict announced: On November 1, 1990, a civil case involving boxer Mike Tyson concluded, with the jury delivering a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. source: nytimes.com
- 09 Nov Singapore's Religious Harmony Act: The Parliament of Singapore enacted the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, a legislative measure designed to promote social cohesion and prevent religious tensions in the multicultural city-state.
- 14 Nov NBA Player James Worthy Arrested: James Worthy, a prominent NBA player, was arrested in Houston and charged with two counts of solicitation of prostitution, creating a significant personal and professional scandal.
- 16 Nov Noriega Claims Unfair Trial: On November 16, 1990, Manuel Noriega, the former Panamanian leader, claimed that he was not receiving a fair trial in the United States. His trial was a significant event following the U.S. invasion of Panama. source: nytimes.com
- 21 Nov Michael Milken sentenced for securities fraud: On November 21, 1990, financier Michael Milken was sentenced to 10 years in prison for securities and tax violations. Milken, known as the 'junk bond king,' was convicted of orchestrating a scheme involving insider trading and market manipulation. source: reuters.com
- 29 Nov Immigration Act of 1990 signed: The Immigration Act of 1990 was signed into law on November 29, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. This legislation made significant changes to U.S. immigration policy, including increasing the number of visas available for skilled workers and family reunification. source: congress.gov
- 31 Dec Queensland decriminalizes homosexual acts: On December 31, 1990, Queensland decriminalized homosexual acts, marking a significant step towards LGBTQ+ rights in Australia. This legislative change was part of a broader movement to improve the legal status and social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the region. source: theguardian.com
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