Most infamously issued in February 1989 by Ayatollah Khomeini against an author, FTP, give the term for a Muslim legal statement, an example of which called for the elimination of Salman Rushdie.
In May 2002, one was issued on the subject of piracy although more typically they relate to issues such as marriage, inheritance and divorce.  With its importance dependent on its acceptance, since it holds legal standing, they are issued by a mufti and it is required that they be rendered in accordance with fixed precedent.  Most infamously issued in February 1989 by Ayatollah Khomeini against an author, FTP, give the term for a Muslim legal statement, an example of which called for the elimination of Salman Rushdie.
In May 2002, one was issued on the subject of piracy although more typically they relate to issues such as marriage, inheritance and divorce.  
fatwa