June 17

Eugen Weidmann (1908–1939) was a German-born criminal involved in a series of murders and robberies in France. He gained notoriety for his role in a gang that killed multiple victims between 1937 and 1939. Weidmann was captured, tried, and convicted for his crimes, and his public guillotine execution in Versailles drew large crowds. His death on June 17, 1939, marked the end of public executions in France and sparked debate over the practice. Weidmann remains infamous in European criminal history.

Born in 1931, Ismail Mahomed studied law at the University of Cape Town. He broke racial barriers as the first non-white judge in the Supreme Court of South Africa. In 1997, he was appointed Chief Justice, guiding the judiciary during the post-apartheid transition. Mahomed was noted for his commitment to human rights and constitutional reform. He served on international tribunals, earning global recognition for his expertise. He died in 2000, having laid foundations for a more equitable legal system.

Rodney King (1965–2012) gained international prominence when his brutal beating by Los Angeles police officers was captured on video and broadcast worldwide. The 1992 acquittal of the officers involved triggered the Los Angeles riots, leading to widespread unrest and significant loss of life and property. King later testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and became a symbol in the fight against police misconduct and racial injustice. Although he faced personal struggles in the years following the incident, his case remains a landmark in discussions about law enforcement accountability. King's legacy endures as a powerful reminder of the impact of citizen journalism and the need for systemic reform in policing.

Pierre F. Côté (1927–2013) trained as a lawyer before entering public service in the province of Quebec. Over a career spanning several decades, he held senior legal advisory positions and contributed to the drafting of key legislation. Côté was instrumental in shaping policies on language rights and public administration, earning respect from colleagues across the political spectrum. He served as Deputy Minister in multiple ministries, guiding governmental reforms and strengthening institutional frameworks. After his retirement, he continued to advise on constitutional matters and mentored a generation of public servants. Côté’s contributions helped define modern governance in Quebec and left a mark on Canadian public administration.