Abstract This paper examines how, for the last few decades, the issue of a person's right to choose the time and method of his or her own death has been one of passionate debate in the United States. It looks at how, although suicide has been decriminalized in America, laws against assisting in a suicide remain in place and how medical help for this action has been contested in the courts for years. It provides a definition of physician-assisted suicide and examines several high-profile court cases involving medical intervention in the dying process.
From the Paper "When Dr. Jack Kevorkian helped Alzheimer's patient Janet Adkins commit suicide in 1990, criminal charges were brought against him and then later dropped because ?Michigan law did not specify that facilitating a suicide is criminal.? He then proceeded to assist twenty individuals commit suicide, ?five of them after Michigan passed a ban on assisted suicide in February 1993,? and in November 1993, he was jailed on murder charges. Circuit Judge Richard Kaufman ruled the Michigan law against assisted suicide was unconstitutional on December 13, 1993, however, one year later the Michigan State Supreme Court upheld the ban."
Tags: jack, kevorkian, medication, death, patients, life, support
Abstract This paper argues that restrictions on the immigration of highly skilled workers threaten American prosperity and global competitiveness. It explains that immigrants who receive visas based on their skill levels and educational background and who can make a contribution to America's economy only comprise about 12 percent of legal immigrants. Without the necessary input of high skilled workers to meet industry demand, businesses will be forced to outsource jobs overseas and stop expanding the company all together. It claims that the bottom line is that American business cannot survive.
From the Paper "Immigration is having an ever-increasing impact on America's workforce. Since two-thirds of America's future population growth will be caused by immigration, it will continue to transform our workforce. Today, understanding the impact and implications of international immigration of the workers of the United States is an extremely controversial issue and it is at the forefront of many political debates. One of the most controversial aspects of the U. S. immigration policy is the degree to which immigrants affect the U.S. economy, in particular the labor market. In the 1980s 6 percent of the American work force was made up of foreign workers. In the 1990s, that number jumped to 10 percent. (San Francisco Chronicle 1999). Today, it is estimated that the number of foreign born workers in the United States is 15 percent. In addition, a disproportionate number of recent immigrants arriving in the United States are less-skilled and this trend is fueling the American public's concern that immigration is a major contributing factor in the decline of the relative earning of less-skilled American Workers."
Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus and an analysis of the pathogen's cellular composition. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Severe acute respiratory syndrome (or "SARS") is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is characterized by a persistent fever, headache, and bodily discomfort, followed by a dry cough that may progress to great difficulty in breathing. According to one source, SARS first appeared in November 2002 in Guangdong province, China, where it was first diagnosed as an atypical pneumonia. According to Bi (2003), ?SARS originated in China's Guangdong province last November, rapidly becoming widespread. By 20 May, the deadly disease had infected 6,966 people and caused 557 deaths in China (including Hong Kong but excluding Taiwan)? (p. 16). By that point in time, SARS had infected about 7,864 people around the world and 643 had died from it (Bi, 2003)."
Abstract This paper looks at euthanasia, the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing death by withholding extreme medical measures for a person or animal suffering from an incurable, often painful, disease or condition. In particular, it examines how the term 'positive euthanasia' has come to refer to actions that actively cause death, such as administering a lethal drug, and how the growing acceptance of positive euthanasia represents a disturbing trend in medical and social ethics. It discusses how much debate has arisen in the United States among physicians, religious leaders, lawyers, and the general public over euthanasia and how, although positive euthanasia is, for the most part, illegal in the United States, physicians may lawfully refuse to prolong life when there is extreme suffering.
From the Paper "Some argue that the euthanasia required as a last resort, when the individual can no longer manage the pain of their illness. However, pain should never justify euthanasia considering the advanced medical techniques currently available to manage pain in almost every circumstance. The real problem is that there are fundamental physician-related barriers to appropriate, humane, and compassionate care for the dying. According to research by Foley (1997), physicians are inadequately trained to assess and manage the multi-factorial symptoms commonly associated with patients' requests for physician-assisted suicide. Only five out of 126 medical schools in the United States require a separate course in the care of the dying. "
This paper looks at both points of view about stem cell research and the reasons behind them. In the end, the reasons are weighed against each other, and a final solution is reached.
Abstract The following paper discusses the emerging technology in the area of stem cell research. It begins with some general knowledge of what stem cell research really is, giving a brief definition of stem cells and then describing what they do in the human body. After the basic idea of what stem cells are, an in-depth look at the two different types of stem cells and their differences is given. After the basics of stem cells are given, the idea of stem cell research can be talked about and what stem cell research is and how it is done.
From the Paper "After the reader is familiar with stem cell research and what it is all about the two sides of the argument shall be given. Some people support stem cell research and the benefits it has to offer and others are against stem cell research and its price. Both sides argue to no end believing that they support the correct stance; there may not be a "correct stance", but at the conclusions of this paper will be the better of the stand points and why it is the better of the two."
Abstract This paper looks at the medical, legal, and ethical aspects of the euthanasia debate. The writer offers a number of scenarios and analyzes the best possible outcome for the patient, offering alternatives to euthanasia, as well.
Contents
Introduction
Euthanasia and the Different types
Passive and Active Euthanasia
Voluntary and Involuntary Euthanasia
Euthanasia (the appropriate Solution)
Dependency Vs Autonomy
Euthanasia (Not a Right Solution)
Palliative Care
Euthanasia (Medical perspective)
Euthanasia a Legal perspective
The Danger in Legalizing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Euthanasia is a combination of two Greek words Eu (easy, painless or happy) and "thanatos" meaning death. So the essential meaning of the term Euthanasia is painfree and happy end to life. So Euthanasia is the term for the act of delivering the suffering patient from his troubles by putting him to death. In other words it is nothing but physician assisted suicide (PAS). [Michigan Technological University]. There are basically two different forms of Euthanasia namely Active or Passive Euthanasia and Voluntary or involuntary Euthanasia."
Tags: death, illness, hopital, palliative, terminal, doctor, family
A study of the development of international terrorism and counter terrorism, both in general and specifically, since the events of September 11th, 2001.
Abstract This paper focuses on the way counter terrorism and terrorism have changed since 9/11 and the growing role of the U.S. It also looks at the development of 'modern' terrorism and the possible consequences of the continuing War on Terror. It debates whetherr or not September 11th, 2001 can be seen as a day that changed the face of terrorism. It also discusses how since the invasion of Afghanistan, terrorist attacks have become more numerous and high profile although their basic purpose remains the same, to gain attention. It puts forward the view that what has changed about terrorism since 9/11 is the amount of media attention it now controls.
From the Paper "As well as presenting a recent point of reference for terrorist activity, the conflicts in Palestine and Northern Ireland also show two different ways of dealing with the problem, certain aspects of which have been adopted by the United States. In the case of Britain and Northern Ireland, the conflict is one of territory and security for those who want British rule. In Palestine and Israel however, the situation is based purely on territory. This difference in the foundation for the terrorist action seems to have dictated the way in which terrorism has been dealt with. Because of the presence of British citizens in Northern Ireland, and the small section of society that is involved in the unrest , it has been British policy in recent years to try and settle the situation through political sanctions and increased security measures to prevent terrorism."
Abstract This paper looks at the U.S.A Patriot Act, passed by Congress, which gives U.S. authorities and law agencies the powers to conduct surveillance, immigration checks, banking checks, etc., in order to locate and eliminate any suspected terrorist threat. In particular, it examines the controversy stating that the Act infringes on the rights of privacy of the individuals within the states.
From the Paper "There are various arguments against the Act. Many US citizens are concerned about the extent to which the FBI could encroach into their lives because past experiences have time and again proved that the FBI do not follow ethical measures when investigating the whereabouts of a suspect. The officials at the FBI are elated at the new set of rules that remove bureaucratic intervention in their work and which permits them lesser hassles to operate in the USA. Incidents in the recent past have shown that the FBI has harassed its victims merely based on suspicion, or have committed offences that can never be justified by a sane mind. If the FBI could commit such blunders in better times, it is anybody's guess as to how much they could intrude into the common citizen's life after the implementation of the act."
Abstract This paper argues that the lack of a clear law regarding euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide continues to result in confusion and more suffering. It goes on to argue that many debates regarding euthanasia fail to recognize a social component to the practice. Furthermore, because of tremendous societal costs, the paper argues that government at the national, state, and local levels should take a strong stand to keep euthanasia illegal.
From the Paper "The high-profile case of Terri Schiavo has once again focused attention on the issue of euthanasia. Schiavo, who has been in a vegetative state for the past 13 years, brings a face to the legal question of when can a third party decide the fate of patients who cannot decide for themselves. According to Schiavo's husband, Terri would not want to live in her present state. Schiavo's parents, however, disagree. The parents have managed to convince Florida governor Jeb Bush to issue a stay, preventing Terri's husband from having her feeding tube removed (Stern and Goddard)."
Abstract This paper provides a short examination of the ethical problems surrounding the controversial issue of human cloning. It explains that therapeutic human cloning is quite necessary to increase our knowledge of the human body, and it can aid in creating new medical breakthroughs in the future. The ethics of human cloning are certainly contentious, but ultimately, human cloning can only add to our understanding of ourselves and lead to longer lives in the future.
From the Paper "This is not to disregard the ethical implications of creating genetic human duplicates, of course, there are numerous ethical issues facing human cloning. The fundamental ethics of human birth and continuation are at stake here, and even those who condone human cloning recognize the need to keep cloning from becoming a way for parents to choose the sex or intelligence of their child the way they choose produce at the local supermarket. The ethics of cloning indicate that cloning should be used for research and medical purposes only, and should not extend to the cloning of human children for particular parents. One scientific expert states, "As we have noted, the decisive difference between therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning is the fact that the former never intends to lead to the birth of a cloned human being" (Bedford-Strohm)."
Abstract This paper argues that capital punishment cannot be equaled to murder or considered unjust. As an effective method of instilling the fear of committing crimes, capital punishment must be awarded against the worst and barbarous criminals acts. The paper presents the views that, in the interest of the greater well-being of society, it is permissible to award the death penalty in such situations.
From the Paper "Spiritualists argue that inflicting death can never be justified as a rightful act. Some crimes are so severe that it is essential in the interest of the society to enforce strict punishments not only to instill the fear of committing such horrific crimes but also as a retributive measure. As professor John McAdams says, "If we execute murderers and there is in fact no deterrent effect, we have killed a bunch of murderers. If we fail to execute murderers, and doing so would in fact have deterred other murders, we have allowed the killing of a bunch of innocent victims. I would much rather risk the former. This, to me, is not a tough call." [Justice For All]. Heinous crimes such as murders are not tolerable in a society and they need to be effectively dealt with. A discussion of capital punishment from the utilitarian as well as the deontological moral theories would help us understand the issue better."
Abstract This paper explains that the issues of ethical conduct, such as retribution, economics, and deterrence, surround the application of capital punishment. The author points out that the idea of retribution, based on the 'golden rule', with one act meriting an equal act of response, is widely used to support the death penalty. The paper states that factoring in the economic costs related to the death sentence can be ethically weighed with reference to Kant's universal law.
From the Paper "Capital punishment has been in use for many years in America, with exception of 1972 to 1976 when it was deemed unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment. Over the years capital punishment has been in effect, the fundamentals have not progressed; it is still operating on the original theory in which it was implemented. Based on the historical trends, the current process will not be anymore or less effective at prevention in the future. This is partly due to punishment being a reactionary event, the penalty of death may contribute to the consistency of deviant society, but one would reason that without progression of the process it will not contribute to the evolution of society. As the penalty of death is deemed the maximum punishment possible, the opportunity for advancement exists in preemptive events based on direct and indirect knowledge acquired from the offenders."
Abstract This paper stresses that the United States is the only Western democracy that still applies the death penalty and, therefore, still adopts Hammurabi's law, written in 1780 B.C. The author argues that the death penalty is so expensive because it is part of a complex legal structure, and the maintenance of these institutions and its legal impositions are very costly. The paper concludes that society needs to consider that criminals should be treated as mentally-ill individuals who need therapy and psychological reform; therefore, they must be given a chance to regret their actions.
From the Paper "Inherited from the English common law, which traces its origins back to the thirteenth century, Anglo-American jurisprudence has incorporated many of its punishment practices and judgement criteria. ?In England, until 1820, more than 200 crimes were punishable by death,? . The primary reason the public demands capital punishment is that people are stirred by the desire of vengeance. It is the first reaction to the moral outrage elicited particularly offensive conducts. It is the urge that there must be retribution for the life that has been taken and the suffering a criminal has inflicted to his or her victim. However, retribution is not the objective of criminal law, it is correction. Just as a felon commits an injustice taking a human life away on the streets, we also commit one by taking his or her life away in a death chamber. It makes no difference where and for what reasons, "injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere", as Martin Luther King wisely said."
Abstract This paper discusses the highly controversial issue of abortion, beginning with a look at the famous case that made abortion legal and the moral and legal questions that make the subject so controversial. The paper presents arguments on both sides of the debate and concludes with the author's own opinion and how she was influenced by the research done for this paper.
From the Paper "The expulsion of a fetus from the uterus before it can survive on its own. This is how Merriam-Webster?'s Collegiate ?? Dictionary defines abortion. From the beginning of its legality, abortion has been a hotly debated subject. In 1973 the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that a woman?'s right to privacy gives her the right, free from state interference, to terminate a pregnancy. In this ruling, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun divided pregnancy into three stages. In the first stage, called a trimester, abortion was to be legal for any reason for the woman, whether the reason was medically or socially driven. In the second trimester, state?'s interest in the health of the mother gave it the right to regulate abortions. In the third trimester, at the time of viability, the state?'s interest in the potential for life would allow for them to only make legal abortions available for the life or health of the mother. This is where we derive the definition provided above for abortion."
Abstract This paper explains how stem cell research could be accomplished in at least two ways that should not raise the moral ire of politicians, religious groups, or the public in general. The writer states that the first is through the use of adult stem cells, avoiding the terrible risks of tissue rejection. The second potential direction for stem cell research involves extracting a few cells in the early stages of an embryo's development without destroying that embryo.
From the Paper "Revolution is in the air. While the digital revolution is transforming our view of the universe, the biotech revolution has the potential to alter the universe itself. The parallel with the invention of the printing press and the Renaissance is clear. (Blake, 2001). ?Gutenberg's and Caxton's inventions turned the world figuratively and intellectually upside down and heralded new patterns of human activity and organization that were inconceivable prior to the early 15th century.? (Blake, 2001, pg. 9). One of the great achievements of that era was the quick adaptation of this communications revolution to every aspect of human life. Today, "we are at the beginning of a new Renaissance".? (Blake, 2001, pg. 9). One of the more controversial elements of this new Renaissance is stem cell research. There is perhaps no field fraught with more possibility along with questions of morality and medical ethics. (Hickey, 2001)."
