3 Jan.

Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno, dictator of Panama (1983-1989), is arrested on drug smuggling, racketeering, and money-laundering charges.

12 Mar.

Clarence Thomas, who was nominated by President George Bush, takes the oath of office as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

President Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act, a wide-ranging bill intended to make public facilities, workplaces, and telecommunications more accessible to people with disabilities.

10 Aug.

Marion S. Barry Jr., mayor of Washington, D.C., is found guilty on one misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession.

9 Oct.

David Hackett Souter is sworn in as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.