1997 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1997 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

10 Jan Dow Corning settles breast implant lawsuits: On January 10, 1997, Dow Corning announced a settlement of $3.2 billion to resolve thousands of lawsuits related to its silicone breast implants. The settlement aimed to compensate women who claimed health issues due to the implants, marking a significant moment in product liability and consumer safety. source: nytimes.com
27 Jan Myra Hindley Imprisonment Confirmed: British Home Secretary Michael Howard affirms that Moors Murderer Myra Hindley will never be released from prison, upholding a recommendation from his predecessor in 1990.
28 Jan Execution of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassins: On January 28, 1997, the Bangladeshi government executed several individuals convicted of assassinating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader, in 1975. This event marked a significant moment in Bangladesh's political history and justice system. source: bbc.com
04 Feb Myra Hindley Prison Sentence: British Home Secretary Michael Howard confirmed that Moors Murderer Myra Hindley would never be released from prison, upholding a recommendation made by his predecessor in 1990. This decision maintained the severe punishment for one of Britain's most notorious criminals.
05 Feb O.J. Simpson civil trial verdict delivered: On February 5, 1997, the jury delivered its verdict in the O.J. Simpson civil trial, finding him liable for wrongful death in the case of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. This verdict followed a highly publicized criminal trial. source: nytimes.com
08 Feb O.J. Simpson civil trial verdict announced: On February 8, 1997, a civil jury found O.J. Simpson liable for the wrongful deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The jury awarded $8.5 million in damages to the victims' families. This verdict followed the highly publicized criminal trial that ended in Simpson's acquittal in 1995. source: nytimes.com
10 Feb O.J. Simpson civil trial jury awards $25 million in punitive damages: On February 10, 1997, a civil jury in Santa Monica, California, found O.J. Simpson liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, awarding $25 million in punitive damages to their families. This decision followed a previous $8.5 million in compensatory damages, totaling $33.5 million. The jury deliberated for over five hours before reaching the verdict. source: washingtonpost.com
27 Feb Sade arrested in Jamaica: Singer Sade (Helen Folasade Adu) was arrested in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for disobeying a police officer after allegedly failing to stop when ordered. She was charged with dangerous driving and disobeying a police officer. source: raresoul.com
28 Feb FBI agent espionage case: Harold James Nicholson, a CIA officer, was arrested and charged with espionage for passing classified documents to Russian intelligence. He was the highest-ranking CIA officer ever charged with espionage at that time. source: washingtonpost.com
19 Mar Supreme Court debates internet regulation: On March 19, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Reno v. American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the constitutionality of the Communications Decency Act, a law aimed at regulating indecent content on the internet. source: oyez.org
14 Apr Nazi war criminal Erich Priebke retried: Erich Priebke, a former Nazi officer, was retried in Italy for his role in the 1944 massacre of 335 Italian civilians. The retrial was significant as it highlighted the ongoing pursuit of justice for war crimes committed during World War II. source: nytimes.com
29 Apr Chemical Weapons Convention enters into force: The Chemical Weapons Convention, an international treaty banning the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, entered into force on April 29, 1997. source: opcw.org
06 May Military Sexual Assault Conviction: On May 6, 1997, a significant military sexual assault conviction was reported, highlighting ongoing issues within the military regarding sexual misconduct and accountability. source: defense.gov
22 May Kelly Flinn discharged from U.S. Air Force: First Lieutenant Kelly Flinn, the first female B-52 pilot in the U.S. Air Force, was discharged on May 22, 1997, following charges including adultery and making false statements. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Jun Timothy McVeigh convicted for Oklahoma City bombing: Timothy McVeigh was convicted on all counts for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which resulted in 168 deaths, including 19 children. source: archives.gov
11 Jun UK House of Commons votes for total handgun ban: On June 11, 1997, the UK House of Commons voted to implement a total ban on handguns following a series of gun-related incidents. This legislation was a significant step in the UK's gun control policy. source: bbc.com
13 Jun Ira Einhorn arrested for murder: On June 13, 1997, Ira Einhorn, a former environmental activist, was arrested in France for the 1977 murder of his former girlfriend, Holly Maddux. He had been a fugitive for 17 years before his arrest.
19 Jun McDonald's "McLibel" trial concludes in landmark case: On June 19, 1997, the "McLibel" trial, one of the longest-running civil cases in British legal history, concluded. The case involved two environmental activists who were sued by McDonald's for distributing leaflets critical of the company's practices. source: theguardian.com
25 Jun Warrant Issued for Singer Sade: Jamaican authorities issued a warrant for singer Sade after she failed to report to court on charges of disobeying a police officer's traffic signal.
26 Jun Communications Decency Act ruled unconstitutional: On June 26, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Communications Decency Act, which aimed to regulate indecent material on the internet, was unconstitutional. This landmark decision was pivotal in shaping internet free speech rights. source: law.cornell.edu
23 Jul Dallas Cowboys Defamation Settlement: Dallas TV station KXAS reaches a settlement with Dallas Cowboys players Michael Irvin and Erik Williams after falsely reporting sex assault allegations against them.
24 Jul Death of Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan: On July 24, 1997, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. passed away at the age of 91. Appointed by President Eisenhower in 1956, Brennan was known for his liberal views and played a pivotal role in shaping American constitutional law. source: nytimes.com
25 Jul Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante Convicted of Racketeering: Notorious mobster Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante was found guilty of racketeering in New York City, marking a significant moment in the prosecution of organized crime.
12 Aug Great Train Robber Escapes Prison: Charlie Wilson, a notorious member of the infamous Great Train Robbery gang, dramatically escapes from Winson Green Prison in Birmingham, England, adding another chapter to the legendary criminal saga.
14 Aug Timothy McVeigh sentenced to death: On August 14, 1997, Timothy McVeigh was sentenced to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which resulted in 168 fatalities. source: history.com
19 Aug Egon Krenz sentenced for Communist era crimes: Egon Krenz, former East German leader, was sentenced on August 19, 1997, for crimes committed during the Communist era. source: dw.com
25 Aug Egon Krenz convicted for Berlin Wall shoot-to-kill policy: On August 25, 1997, former East German leader Egon Krenz was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for instigating a shoot-to-kill policy along the Berlin Wall, leading to the deaths of individuals attempting to flee East Germany. He was convicted on four counts of incitement to manslaughter related to these incidents. source: news.bbc.co.uk
18 Sep Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Adoption: The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, was adopted on September 18, 1997. This international treaty aims to eliminate the use of anti-personnel mines and promote their destruction. source: un.org
22 Sep Marv Albert legal proceedings: On September 22, 1997, sportscaster Marv Albert's trial began in Arlington, Virginia, where he faced charges of forcible sodomy and assault related to an alleged incident in February 1997. The trial concluded with Albert pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery, leading to his dismissal from NBC. source: washingtonpost.com
24 Sep FBI adds drug kingpin to most wanted list: On September 24, 1997, the FBI added drug kingpin Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, seeking information leading to his capture. source: fbi.gov
29 Sep Terry Nichols Oklahoma City bombing trial jury selection begins: Jury selection for the trial of Terry Nichols, a co-conspirator in the Oklahoma City bombing, commenced on September 29, 1997. This trial was a significant event in U.S. legal history, focusing on the bombing that killed 168 people in 1995. Nichols was ultimately convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. source: nytimes.com
30 Sep Hooters settles discrimination lawsuit: On September 30, 1997, Hooters of America, Inc. reached a settlement in a discrimination lawsuit filed by former employees. The lawsuit alleged that the company engaged in discriminatory hiring practices. The settlement included changes to their hiring policies and a monetary compensation package. source: washingtonpost.com
15 Oct Dan Rostenkowski Released from Custody: Former US Representative Dan Rostenkowski was released from custody after serving time for mail fraud, marking a significant moment in his political and legal journey.
20 Oct Justice Department seeks penalties against Microsoft: On October 20, 1997, the U.S. Justice Department announced its intention to seek penalties against Microsoft for alleged antitrust violations. This action was part of a broader investigation into Microsoft's business practices and market dominance in the software industry. source: nytimes.com
26 Oct Charles Barkley Arrested for Aggravated Battery: NBA basketball player Charles Barkley was charged with aggravated battery and resisting arrest after an altercation at a dance club in Orlando, Florida, where he allegedly threw Jorge Lugo through a plate glass window.
31 Oct Louise Woodward murder trial sentencing: Louise Woodward, a British au pair, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the second-degree murder of eight-month-old Matthew Eappen. The case garnered significant media attention and raised questions about child care practices and legal standards. source: nytimes.com
03 Nov CIA employee murderer convicted: On November 3, 1997, a former CIA employee was convicted of the murder of a colleague. The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of a government agency and raised questions about security and personnel management within intelligence agencies. source: nytimes.com
10 Nov Peter Max pleads guilty to tax fraud: In 1997, pop artist Peter Max pleaded guilty to federal income tax evasion charges for concealing over $1 million in income from art sales between 1986 and 1991. He was sentenced to two months in prison. source: en.wikipedia.org
03 Dec Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines signed: On December 3, 1997, the Ottawa Treaty, which aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines, was signed by over 120 countries. This landmark agreement marked a significant step towards global disarmament and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. source: un.org
08 Dec Myra Hindley court appearance: On December 8, 1997, Myra Hindley, one of the notorious Moors murderers, appeared at the High Court of Justice to challenge the Home Secretary's decision that she should remain imprisoned for life. Her legal team argued that she had served enough time to meet the needs of retribution and deterrence. Hindley had been incarcerated for 31 years for her role in the murders of Lesley-Ann Downey and Edward Evans. source: news.bbc.co.uk
11 Dec U.S. District Court issues preliminary injunction against Microsoft: On December 11, 1997, the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction against Microsoft, prohibiting the company from requiring PC manufacturers to bundle its Internet Explorer browser with Windows 95. This action was part of the ongoing antitrust case against Microsoft. source: justice.gov
12 Dec Autumn Jackson sentenced for extortion attempt against Bill Cosby: On December 12, 1997, Autumn Jackson was sentenced for attempting to extort $40 million from comedian Bill Cosby. Jackson had threatened to reveal that she was Cosby's illegitimate daughter unless he paid her the money. source: cbsnews.com
17 Dec UK Firearms Amendment Act expands gun ban: The UK Parliament passed the Firearms Amendment Act, which expanded the ban on handguns following the Dunblane massacre. This legislation aimed to enhance public safety by restricting access to firearms. source: bbc.com
18 Dec Myra Hindley high court appeal denied: Myra Hindley, infamous for her role in the Moors murders, had her appeal against her life sentence denied by the High Court. This decision reaffirmed her status as one of Britain's most notorious criminals. source: bbc.com
23 Dec Terry Nichols convicted in Oklahoma City bombing: On December 23, 1997, Terry Nichols was convicted for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing, which killed 168 people in 1995. The conviction was a significant moment in the legal proceedings surrounding one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. source: fbi.gov
24 Dec Carlos the Jackal sentenced: On December 24, 1997, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, known as Carlos the Jackal, was sentenced to life in prison by a French court for his role in a series of terrorist attacks in the 1970s and 1980s. This marked a significant moment in the fight against international terrorism. source: reuters.com
31 Dec Quaker Oats Lawsuit Settlement: Quaker Oats settles a significant lawsuit involving unethical research practices with child subjects, highlighting ethical concerns in corporate research.

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