This paper looks at the history of government involvement in the airline industry, noting that even with deregulation, the government still maintains significant regulatory authority.
Abstract The writer takes an historical look at the way in which the government has eased its hold on the airline industry. The paper shows how this form of deregulation has led the airline industry, which employs nearly two million people, to be overwhelmed with competition and the lowering of prices.
From the Paper "Economic deregulation has been described as ?? the state's withdrawal of its legal powers to direct the economic conduct (pricing, entry and exit) of non-governmental bodies.? (Winston, 1993, quoting Stigler). Regulatory reform has become a significant trend in economic policy since the 1970s. The airline industry stands out as a significant example of this trend: formerly almost completely regulated, it has been and continues to go through a process of deregulation and review pending possible re-regulation at both the national and international level."
Abstract The FMLA provides a national policy to address the need among employees for workplace policies that enable them to meet what are sometimes the conflicting demands of work and home responsibilities. The paper looks at the history of this act and its subsequent benefits. The writer addresses the segment of the workforce who are actually covered by this act and the positive effect it has brought to companies.
From the Paper "Under the FMLA, employers with 50 employees or more are required to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year to eligible employees needing to care for a newborn, newly-adopted, or foster child; a child, spouse or parent with a serious health condition; or for the serious health condition of the employee, including maternity-related disability. Employees are eligible if they have worked for a covered employer for at least one year, and for 1,250 hours over the past 12 months and if there are at least 50 employees working for the employer within a 75-mile radius of the worksite."
Tags: workplace, health, employees, maternity, children
Discusses the book, "A Civil Action" by Jonathan Harr which recounts the court case where a chemical and food company were charged with causing cancer in children.
Abstract Jonathan Harr's "A Civil Action" recounts the story of the action taken by attorney Jan Schlichtmann against the W. R. Grace chemical company and Beatrice Foods on behalf of families in Woburn, Massachusetts. The children of these families had contracted leukemia, the suit claimed, from the ingestion of chemicals, dumped illegally by subsidiaries of the two giant corporations, that entered the wells that supplied a portion of the town. The paper discusses the details of this case, including the claimed bias of the ruling Judge Skinner, the difficulty the jury had in reaching a decision and the role of the Environmental Protection Agency in the case.
From the Paper "Even had the case proceeded on equal terms for both parties, however, the problem of convincing a jury to make a considerable reward on the basis of an essentially "unprovable" connection between TCE and leukemia presented a major problem that carries over to many toxic waste cases. Epidemiological studies, which might provide sufficient evidence of connections to direct scientists' attention to problems, are under-utilized and poorly understood by many. Such studies constitute the bulk of the evidence in some cases, but they can be far too easily misrepresented by defendants which leaves plaintiffs such as the Woburn group at a loss for anything the courts and juries will accept as meeting a standard of proof--despite almost everyone's common-sense conviction that the cause and effect have been identified."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of plea bargaining which involves a criminal case in which the defense and prosecution negotiate and compromise a type of arrangement in relation to a defendant's guilt and sentencing. In exchange for a guilty or no contest plea, the prosecution will request a reduction in the charges or sentence that a criminal would otherwise receive. It addresses the costs and benefits of plea bargaining, such as the advantages to the court system, judges and especially defendants. Furthermore, it discusses the pros and cons to all parties involved, including the victims. Lastly, the paper analyzes how plea bargaining could possibly be reformed and the necessity of making it more visible and understandable to society.
From the Paper "Another benefit to some defendants in regard to plea bargaining is the opportunity to be released from jail. Some criminals that would not be released otherwise are released instantly following the negotiation and approval of a plea bargain. It also gives the defendant the advantage of having the matter resolved quickly and having a less severe offense placed on their record. Offenses on one's record can weigh greatly on an individual. Felonies can be very harmful when applying for a job or avoiding some states? "three strikes" rule. Some states even require that professional licenses be revoked upon a felony conviction. Also, a felony conviction can result in the loss of the right to vote and possess firearms."
Abstract Because it is a difficult topic to discuss, most business managers are ill equipped to handle employee matters involving sexual harassment. The paper first defines sexual harassment in the workplace. It then looks at how a manager can determine what constitutes sexually harassing behaviors in the workplace and what it does not constitute. The paper then discusses what a manager can do to prevent sexual harassment (zero tolerance, educating the employees, etc.) and looks at the common pitfalls to show why the problem is still so prevalent.
From the Paper "Quid pro quo (Latin phrase meaning "this for that") sexual harassment occurs when a supervisor, manager or someone with power to affect an employee's work-related benefits or opportunities request sexual favors in exchange for work-related benefits. Actions considered to be quid pro quo when given as a reward for sexual activity include: promotions, good performance rating, raise or other monetary compensation, training, continued employment or preferred work schedules. Quid pro quo is considered to be the most offensive form of sexual harassment in the work place because it involves a manager using power to solicit sexual favors from an employee. It is imperative that business managers understand what quid pro quo is and that they avoid any behaviors that might be construed as quid pro quo harassment."
Tags: Civil, Rights, Equal, Employment, Opportunity, EEOC, Human, Rights
Abstract How should we as a society respond to criminal activity and wrongdoing? If a crime is committed, what should happen to the offender? Though this debate is old in nature, these questions have become increasingly important to Americans in recent times, especially following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This paper examines methodologies for measuring the effectiveness of a variety of community-based corrections, including probation, parole and other intermediate sanctions.
From the Paper "This philosophy strives to strengthen the community by focusing on the strong points of the offender and victim through shaming, mediation, and face-to-face meetings. The idea of restorative justice is to have the offender "repair" the damage he has done by participating in community service, providing restitution, attending victim impact panels, or other educational programs. Restorative justice began in response to property crimes when it was determined that most victims preferred to be compensated for their losses rather than see their offender incarcerated. Since then, it has grown into a widely used concept that encompasses many crimes and offenses. Therefore, community-based corrections are vital to the success of restorative justice and play a large role in guiding the process."
Abstract This paper contains a self-designed case study on racial discrimination in the workplace. It also takes into account the various laws that deal with such situations and how the employee is compensated for maltreatment.
From the Paper "The Federal Law states that it is illegal to discriminate against employees on the basis of their race. In the United States, it is prohibited to discriminate and harass employees. This implies that the employer cannot treat an employee or applicant prejudicially because of one's race or color or sex or even ethnic background in all forms of the employment relationship, including: help-wanted ads, interviews, pre-employment testing, hiring, job assignments, shift assignments, promotions, compensation, benefits, job training, layoffs or termination."
Abstract This paper examines how gender affects an inmate's prison experience and looks at different reasons why women are incarcerated and their different needs in prison. The paper evaluates the programs addressing women's needs, especially those who are pregnant in jail, and makes recommendations to make prison policy more responsive to the rehabilitative needs of its female inmates.
From the Paper "The differences between male and female inmates starts before imprisonment. For many women inmates, the seeds are sown in childhood, as a significantly larger percentage of women than men report being sexually, mentally or emotionally abused while they were growing up. Various studies of female prison inmates consistently find high rates of abuse suffered during childhood and as adults."
Abstract This research paper examines and analyzes the economic costs and benefits of gun control in the United States. The positions of gun control advocates and the gun lobby are compared and conclusions reached accordingly.
Abstract This paper cites applicable legal cases to support its arguments in favor of legalizing euthanasia. Included, also, are ethical reasons for favoring legalized euthanasia and rebuttals against arguments that oppose euthanasia. Finally, the overall moral dilemma of euthanasia is discussed, with both the pro and con arguments presented.
From the Paper "We all must die one day, and most people hope for a quick and painless death. But sometimes life isn?t so easy. Some people suffer unbelievable pain from cancer or other diseases. Others may lie in a permanently unconscious state due to an accident or some other cause. Euthanasia is the practice of kindly and painlessly putting a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or extreme oldness to a supposedly peaceful death. Derived from the Greek words eu, good, and thanatos, death, euthanasia is ordinarily identified as mercy killing. Today, only Oregon and Maine have legalized euthanasia or PAS."
Abstract A look at how affirmative action is a necessary policy in college admissions because it promotes diversity on campus. This paper discusses how a diverse learning community is essential in order to create a well-rounded student. The University of Michigan Supreme Court lawsuits are used to emphasize the main points of this argument.
From the Paper "Affirmative action, a policy introduced in 1965 by President Johnson, has always been a topic of heated debate. Initially created as a program to give reparations to minorities, especially blacks, for past discrimination, affirmative action is now seen in a slightly different light. These days, the goal of affirmative action is not so much about paying reparations as it is about promoting diversity. Racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic diversity are the basis in the argument for affirmative action, as they provide a richer, more varied, and real-world learning environment for students. Affirmative action, although controversial, is a necessary evil in our society as it is required in order to promote the integration of various ethnicities and races into the melting pot of American society. As the University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman stated, ?Our diversity is our strength." "
Abstract This paper provides an overall look at the death penalty debate. It begins with a history of capital punishment from 18th Century B.C Babylon to present-day Japan and United States. The paper takes a look at the opinions of both death penalty proponents and abolitionists and examines how the debate is reflected in moral values and public opinion. The author concludes with the opinion that, if true justice is to be served in a blind and non-discriminatory manner, the bar for imposing the death penalty should be raised.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
History
Nature of Debates
Debate as Related to Ideological and Cultural Values
Public Opinion
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "One of the biggest fears of abolitionists is the irreversibility of an execution. Statistics show that since 1900, in this country, there have been on the average more than four cases each year in which an entirely innocent person was convicted of murder. Scores of these individuals were sentenced to death. In many cases, a reprieve or commutation arrived just hours, or even minutes, before the scheduled execution. These erroneous convictions have occurred in virtually every jurisdiction from one end of the nation to the other."
Tags: Supreme, Court, homocide, Amnesty, International
Shows that illegal file-sharing and illegitimate duplicating of copyrighted music is the cause for record declines in global music sales and examines lawsuits against Napster and others.
Abstract Napster 1.0 , launched in 1999, allows Internet users to share, upload, and download MP3 files directly from any computer connected to the Napster network free of charge. This paper provides background on Napster and similar sites. This paper examines principals of the RIAA (Recoding Industry Association of America) in suing consumers who disregard the copyright laws, including its lawsuit against Napster. The paper also examines Napster's views and arguments on the lawsuit. The paper includes an outline.
From the Paper "Contrary to recent reports through the RIAA, and despite a wave of lawsuits unleashed by the recording industry, college students appear to be downloading just as much music illegally as they did in past years. The Chronicle reports that they see little evidence that the industry's efforts are presenting any significant impact other than profit making capabilities to new and upcoming legal networks. Music sharing, many experts say, continues almost unabated on college campus networks. The only way for music companies to compete near the same level is by making music easily accessible and cheaper to purchase."
Abstract This paper begins by providing a background and definition of Title VII. It then briefly discusses the impact of Title VII in the workplace and further looks at who is covered and not covered under the law. It concludes with an explanation of policies that companies should have in place to avoid Title VII violations.
From the Paper "On a less easy to define level, a company can also ensure compliance with Title IIV by treating the law with an attitude of respect, by not tolerating jokes in its company materials that fosters discrimination against any groups, even those groups not protected by Title IIV, such as gays and lesbians, or even illegal immigrants. As the law is always in flux, and what is considered intolerant is often quite subjective, it is better for a company to err on the side of being tolerant to the lifestyles and cultures of all its employees, than insisting upon a particular company attitude that smothers, rather than fosters diversity."
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was needed and enacted, what rights the law has secured for individual workers, what legal aspects it covers, and the history of the law itself. The paper also looks at the impact Title VII has had on the workplace, its successes, and its failures.
From the Paper "Title VII of the civil rights act was a hard won victory for civil rights activists and workers in 1964. In securing this act, they ended the decades of "separate but equal" treatment that had been used as a justification for discrimination against black Americans, and also wrote into law precedents that would affect change in the labor market undercurrents that subtly discriminated against women. The text of the Civil Rights Act made it unlawful for an employer to hire or discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his/her compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment, because of an individual's race, color, religion, sex or national origin. This act covers hiring, firing, promotions and all workplace conduct."
