1970: Jim Morrison on Trial in Miami for Indecent Exposure

Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, stood trial in Miami, Florida on 10 August 1970, facing charges stemming from an incident at a concert on 1 March 1969. Prosecutors alleged he had exposed himself on stage at the Dinner Key Auditorium, using profane language before a crowd of thousands.

Morrison was acquitted of lewd and lascivious behaviour but convicted of indecent exposure and open profanity. He was sentenced to six months hard labour and fined $500, but remained free on bond while the conviction was under appeal. He never served the sentence. Morrison died in Paris on 3 July 1971, before the appeal could be heard.

Jim Morrison photos in cafe. Le Pere Lachaise cafe interior in Paris. Singer Jim Morrison used to visit this cafe. | ID 63547008 © Darius Strazdas | Dreamstime.com
ID 63547008 © Darius Strazdas | Dreamstime.com

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1974: Nixon Resigns: The President Who Fell on the Watergate Scandal

On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon became the first United States president to resign from office, undone by a scandal that began with a bungled burglary. On June 17, 1972, operatives linked to his re-election campaign were caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at Washington D.C.'s Watergate complex, planting listening devices and stealing documents. Reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, guided by the anonymous source 'Deep Throat', exposed a vast White House political espionage program illegally funded by campaign donations.

Nixon's administration destroyed evidence, obstructed investigators, and paid hush money to the burglars. The release of the 'Smoking Gun' tape proved Nixon had ordered the CIA to block the FBI's investigation. Facing near-certain impeachment for obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and contempt of Congress, Nixon resigned rather than face removal. He was later pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford. In total, 69 people were charged over Watergate; most pleaded guilty or were convicted.

Ontario, Canada - December 22 2017: Vintage Open Reel-to-Reel Ta. Vintage Open Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck Stereo Recorder with VU meters and knobs | ID 113751494 © Viktorus | Dreamstime.com
ID 113751494 © Viktorus | Dreamstime.com

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