Word: draconian
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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Papal Mercy. Barely a century ago, thieves would have been none too happy to find themselves subject to the Vatican's often draconian justice. It was said of the Papal States' public executioner, Mastro Titta, that he could crush bones with his bare hands. Today, however, the defendants are probably lucky that they were not turned over to Roman civil authorities. They were released on bail, which is rarely allowed by Italian courts. Also, they are getting a speedy trial, which is even more unusual in the litigation-swamped Italian system. On top of that, the Vatican...
...walls may be tumbling down under the pressure of Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller's new narcotic laws. In early December, right before Christmas break, five Columbia students were arrested for allegedly dealing drugs; two for reportedly dealing cocaine and three for reportedly dealing marijuana. Under New York State's draconian narcotics laws, which went into effect last September 1, the two students charged with dealing cocaine face sentences from life imprisonment to no less than 15 years, and the other three students charged with dealing marijuana face sentences up to 15 years...
Meanwhile, Santiago's provincial military boss has issued "Bando 28" (Order 28), forbidding "elections of any kind in union, guild, political, student or any other kind of group." Vacancies will be filled by the military. The draconian measure led one Santiagoan to wonder wryly whether the order applied "to the local football club too." The constitution was recently amended so that Chileans who criticize the government while traveling abroad will automatically lose their citizenship...
...junta has also moved vigorously in the economic sector, which Allende left a shambles. Draconian measures such as the summary execution of black marketeers, an across-the-board freeze on wages and the drastic devaluation of the escudo have stabilized prices. Under Allende, inflation had risen more than 300%. The lucrative copper mines, which were plagued with labor strife, are functioning smoothly again. The junta has also announced its interest in negotiating with foreigners to lure badly needed investments to the country. Striking truckers are back at work, and food and other staples are beginning to flow into the major...
...closed at 947; three times, turnover on the New York Stock Exchange topped 20 million shares a day. The rising prices and volume may have generated enough commission income to enable the brokerage industry to earn a profit in September after eight months of net losses that have caused draconian staff and salary cuts...