The Watergate scandal escalated dramatically in 1973 as President Richard Nixon’s administration faced a showdown over the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox. When Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus resigned rather than carry out the order, Nixon appointed Robert Bork as acting attorney general, who then dismissed Cox. The unprecedented series of resignations and dismissals became known as the Saturday Night Massacre, marking a pivotal moment in the unfolding constitutional crisis.
10/20/1973: The Saturday Night Massacre occurs. The post Today in Supreme Court History: October 20, 1973 appeared first on Reason Magazine.
