Abstract This essay is a persuasive argument in support of legalizing marijuana in the United States. The author examines the history of the cannabis plant, and the medicinal properties of marijuana with regards to relieving pain in multiple sclerosis and cancer patients. The paper also details the opinions of advocates, and the opposition, in the marijuana legislation cause.
From the Paper "At present, the legalization of marijuana within the United States remains solidly blocked by the brick wall formed by a unified front of federal opposition. The campaign for legalization, however, has made progress on both public and governmental levels, progress that has put chinks in this seemingly insurmountable wall. As time passes, positions of power presently held by those whose opinions and attitudes were influenced by the misconceptions and misguided beliefs of the twentieth century will pass to those whose views were shaped by the more progressive values of the twenty-first century. Perhaps this passage of power will produce a more equally matched platform of debate in the argument of legalized marijuana and allow advocates of this issue access to avenues previously denied."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of how to deal with the issue of hate speech. The author looks at the Constitution, specifically at the contradictions between the 14th Amendment and the concept of freedom of speech. The author looks at some of the commentary written by Jon Locke, or Jon Stuart Mill, and even Aristotle, on the problem of freedom of speech. The author presents historical and modern-day examples of some of the conflicts that have occurred in trying to determine the parameters of freedom of speech, and hate speech in our society.
From the Paper "John Locke would probably have weighed in on the importance of limiting the speech before it gets to the point where person feels that he or she is endangered. His empirical system of philosophy emphasized the importance of the experience of the senses in pursuit of knowledge rather than intuitive speculation or deduction. Having come into this world with our minds entirely free of innate conceptions, Locke argued that all human thought is based upon experience. And it is the experiences of minorities within American culture that makes them fear the consequences of hate speech; they have learned through their experiences in the world that bigoted speech easily and often turns into bigoted action (Dunn 48). Another essential part of Locke's philosophy was that all persons are born equal, which would no doubt incline him to value the equal protection of each person under the rule of law (Dunn 121)."
Abstract An analysis of software piracy from an economic point of view. The paper provides charts of losses incurred by software companies due to piracy and domestic copying. It also looks at the ethical problems of software piracy.
From the Paper "Software is a term that is essentially synonymous with computer programs. Software is simply a set of instructions that cause the hardware (the physical machines that we see on the top of our desks) to do the things that we want them to do. Anyone with any amount of experience in dealing with computers knows that software comes in an almost uncountable variety of different types of programs. The two major types of programs are operating systems, which control the basic workings of a computer, and application software, which addresses the innumerable multitude of specific tasks for which people use computers, from classifying recipes to playing Tomb Raider. While system software often handles essential (but to the average user invisible and actually pretty dull) electronic chores such as maintaining disk files and managing the screen) application software performs word processing, manages databases ? and allows people like me to play really cool games. System software is less subject to piracy than is application software for at least two separate reasons (www.msnbc.com). The first is that nearly every computer today (at least those sold in the First World) come complete with systems software that is up-to-the-minute so there is simply no reason to copy it from someone else."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of a person's legal rights when dealing in negotiable instruments. Negotiable instruments are checks, promissory notes, COD's and drafts, all of which must be in writing. The paper also examines the issues of fraud, forgery and liability which can sometimes accompany the use of negotiable instruments. The author also examines some of the legal remedies available to victims of these types of crimes.
From the Paper "There are many defenses to avoid liability on negotiable instruments and elements associated with forgery, fraud and alterations in relation to negotiable instruments. One of the provisions in UCC Article 3-119 states that the defendant should give the third person written notice of litigation and other person should receive a similar notice. If the notice says that the person notified should appear to defend themselves, and that person does not appear that person would be held responsible. Other defenses are not of a material alteration, change was authorized, unauthorized completion, original terms, negligence, customer negligence to examine report, one-year bar and statute of limitations."
Tags: notes, checks, drafts, cods, liability, defenses, alteration, theft, bank, fraud, forgery, contracts, statement, legal, breach, grace, period
Abstract This paper examines the trial of O.J. Simpson for the murder of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. The paper uses legal terms to define murder, examines the life of O.J. Simpson and his relationship with his wife, Nicole Brown. Using several books written by the major figures in the case, Marcia Clark, Robert Shapiro and Daniel Petrocelli the paper examines the evidence, standards set by both the defense and prosecution, as well as the actual conduct of the criminal trial in order illustrate why he was not found guilty. The civil suit brought against O.J. Simpson by the Brown family is also examined briefly.
From the Paper "The defense contended that all of this blood evidence was contaminated and/or planted by racists in the LAPD. (CNN.com) But even if Mark Fuhrman is a racist, this does not mean he planted evidence. And even if he did plant the alleged evidence, the fingerprint, this does not make the rest of the evidence pointing to Simpson go away. (Clark 482) The police had no access to Simpson's blood to plant. "This was preposterous" All of the blood was observed by investigators before Simpson returned to Chicago. As far as the glove was concerned, not one of the many officers at the crime scene ever saw a second glove there. Hence, there was no second glove to pick up and plant.? Not is there any evidence that anything happened to ruin the blood during the police's procedures for collecting and testing it."
Abstract The following paper explores the question of ethics according to the author's own set of religious principles and beliefs. The author's own version of moral behavior has been influenced by many experiences, family and the method in which he was raised, as well as the American and international societies in which he has lived. The author's opinions tend to be metropolitan, forward looking, and based on thought as opposed to tradition or the beliefs of others. Opposing the ambiguity of the definition of "moral", the word "ethics" is more precisely defined.
From the Paper "The question of whether one can be a moral person while simultaneously practicing law as an ethical attorney is a circular argument that has no clear answer. The situation is a philosophical one that can easily be compared to the age-old quandary, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" Each side can be argued equally well as long as no restrictions are placed upon the circumstances. However, in order to provide more clarity to the issue, it is critical to impose specific requirements and boundaries to the issue."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at information technology, such as software, and how such commercial goods and services are now handled under Article 2B of the UCC. The author looks at the debate whether these transactions, sales of software, should be considered under copyright laws, as it is different from the Uniform Commercial Code. The paper discusses how information technology is distinct from the sale of actual goods, software is a service.
From the Paper "Information transactions and, especially, transactions involving licensing of information, differ substantively from transactions involving the sale or lease of goods. The differences are manifested in both the conditional nature of the transaction and that the value lies not in the tangible property, but in information and rights that are severable from the tangibles. Indeed, increasingly no tangible items are needed to convey information on-line or in electronic transactions. A body of law tailored to transactions whose purpose is to pass title to tangible property can not be simply applied to transactions whose purpose was to convey rights in intangible property and information. A separate treatment of this commercially important class of transactions was needed."
Abstract This paper examines the ongoing and evolving process of selling and disseminating music through the Internet. The author discusses how such activity has provoked a number of economic as well as artistic debates for the music business and for the computer and technology businesses that allow such technology to be accessed. This paper particularly focuses on the anti-trust issues that have arisen over the course of this debate.
From the Paper "First of all, the issue of disseminating music over the Internet provokes the perplexing question of who really "owns" the commercial product of a pieces of music, anyway? Is the owner the person or persons who simply hear the tune and keep humming it? Is the owner the musician who produces the product? Or are the owners the music companies musicians have signed artistic rights to? Clearly, to survive musicians must be able to charge for the product they produce, and the companies have control over the specifics of how to market that product. But once a song is in the public sphere, do not consumers have a right to "pass on" that music product in ways that they see fit, even if those ways may inhibit the sales of recordings of that music?"
Abstract This paper explores the stand that even though mistakes are made in a few cases involving death penalty convictions, capital punishment is still the most valid type of punishment the United Sates has to express the importance of human life.
From the Paper "One of the most powerful responsibilities of any society is the response to crime and punishment. The general public must deal with serious crimes such as rape, murder and treason and the legal consequences of those crimes. The death penalty is meant to be a punishment for some of the worst offenses that people can commit. The death penalty has its roots in ancient times, and even the Bible recommends it as a proper punishment for certain crimes. This fact allows modern day Christians to stand determinedly behind capital punishment. However, the death penalty system, as practiced today, does have flaws. Many of who oppose the death penalty exploits those flaws in order to prove the death penalty immoral. As for the people who stand behind the death penalty as the ultimate punishment for heinous crimes, they do recognize flaws yet still argue that abolishment of the death penalty would be a huge mistake. Accurate investigations, DNA testing and the mental health of the accused individuals also play key roles in the case, sentencing and appeal procedures. In list of these variables in death penalty case(s), sentencing and appeal processes should be reevaluated and possibly reformed to insure consistency and keep innocent people from being executed."
Abstract This paper deals with the hysteria created in the United States since the Sept 11th terrorist attack. It show how despite the American constitution declaring freedom and rights for all, how the law enforcement agents have been infringing on these rights.
From the Paper "In the wake of the tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001, however, the government has been banishing rather than protecting those rights that were originally granted to U.S. citizens. A government that is ignoring its own Constitution is no longer protecting the will of the individual. According to Gerald Johnson, author of ?The American Presidency,? the Founding Fathers ?would be astounded if they knew the changes that have occurred.? (Johnson.) "
Tags: war, undemocracy, patriotism, federal, government, civil, liberty
A look at two famous anti- trust cases in America - United States government against the Microsoft Corporation and United States Government against the Northern Securities Rail Road Company.
Abstract This paper examines the similarities and dissimilarities between these two cases, both of which center around the issue of what constitutes a monopoly, but were generated by widely different circumstances and times United States history.
From the Paper "One of the most famous anti-trust litigation suits in recent memory is that of the United States government's against the Microsoft Corporation. Anti-trust litigation is not a new phenomenon, of course. Anti-trust cases date back to the beginning of the century, as far back as 1904 when the United States Government case against the Northern Securities rail road company oversaw the dismantling of that company's monopoly over the transportation industry."
Tags: legal, competition, monopoly, Microsoft, Windows, railroad, transport
Abstract This paper provides a thorough briefing of the court case. Included are the facts of the case, the lower court's decision, the issue appealed and the verdict. The reasoning behind the case is also supplied in great detail and analyzed.
From the Paper "After Ira Gore (Gore) purchased a new BMW automobile from an authorized Alabama dealer, he discovered that the car had been repainted. Gore brought this suit for compensatory and punitive damages against BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW), the American distributor of BMW?s, alleging, inter alia, that the failure to disclose the repainting constituted fraud under Alabama law. At trial, BMW acknowledged that it followed a nationwide policy of not advising its dealers, and hence their customers, of pre-delivery damage to new cars when the cost of repair did not exceed 3 percent of the car's suggested retail price. Gore's vehicle fell into that category'"
This paper is an in-depth examination of Article 12 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the U.S. Government's fight against terrorism.
Abstract This paper examines the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' influence the implementation of new policies by the U.S. Government since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The paper gives a detailed historical background into the reasons behind the Declaration's initial passage in the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. It then goes on to discuss the affects of the terrorist attacks on U.S. policy, and how this is intertwined with the Declaration. The author looks closely at the U.S. Government's proposed Combatting Terrorism Act of 2001 that was introduced as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks, in light of the 1948 Declaration. Current attempts to introduce new policy that might be in conflict with both the spirit and actual text from the Declaration are also discussed in detail. The author then presents some alternative policies that may mesh with the Declaration and offers some recommendations in light of recent events.
From the Paper "Another response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was the creation and implementation of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act expanded the number of baggage screeners, imposed standards for their training, and made them federal employees for an interim period of time. Starting in January, 2002, all checked luggage was to be put through special explosives-detecting machines. In addition, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act increased the number of armed federal air marshals flying on domestic flights and required international airlines to turn over advance copies of their passenger lists to United States Customs officials for background checks to weed out suspected terrorists."
A discussion of the dangers of drunk driving and the lives it affects, including appeals of pathos (heart and values), ethos (character) and logos (facts & logic) to convey a powerful message to the reader.
Abstract A healthy balance between the different arguments of pathos, ethos and logos (emotion, value, character, and facts & logic) are found in this essay which which deals with the dangers of drunk driving. Included are interviews with those who have personally been affected by drunk driving, as well as personal anecdotes, and significant facts and statistics. All sections of the paper are strategically organized in order to better convey the message to the reader.
From the Paper "It was the first day of March. It was the type of day where the chill and dampness seemed to penetrate your soul. I silently watched as Jeremy's mother laid a blood red colored rose on the marble stone. Wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, she ran a hand across the letters of his name that adorn the cold gravestone. Jeremy Taylor (1982 ? 2000). She said a silent prayer and turned towards the car. She glanced back once more before walking away. Today Jeremy would"ve been eighteen. He would"ve been able to vote or play the lottery if he wanted to. In a couple months he would?ve graduated ? top ten in his class! He would"ve walked across the stage, gotten his diploma, and tossed his cap high into the air with all his friends. He would"ve made his plans to leave for college. He had already been accepted into an Ivy League school. How desperately he wanted to become a lawyer. His mom always said she could tell he would make a great lawyer by the way he argued with his sister?.But all that changed within a moment. His life was ended at the hands of a drunk driver as he made his way home from school one fateful February afternoon. No longer would they see his smiling face. No longer would they laugh at the childish burping contests he had, as boys do. No longer would they hear the crowd cheer his name as he scored the winning touchdown or the sound of his voice as he excitedly told of his plans to become the best lawyer they had ever seen. All of that was gone now, because someone chose to drink and drive. Watching my friend's burial was one of the most emotional experiences I can recall. I think of how scared he must have been in his final moments. I wonder what he was thinking as he lay there dying. It was an eerie feeling to know that the casket could not even be opened during the service because of how horrific were the injuries that he had sustained. Now whenever "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton comes on the radio, I think of him. I will never get the chance to say goodbye or to tell him all the things I wanted him to know. I can only hope he knows how much he was loved and will be missed. Rest in peace my angel."
Abstract An analysis of the way the media handles several events and how the media can form our views and opinions. It discusses the O.J. Simpson case, September 11th, The Vietnam War, Muslim women and more. The media has also spread the word about life in other regions. The media has enabled us to learn what life is like for others. The power of the media as an industry has given women a rightful platform and an opportunity for rightful self-empowerment. Women are able to communicate like never before thanks to television shows that cater to their needs. It discusses The Lifetime Channel which airs shows that are specific to women.
From the Paper "The media industry is one of the most power entities in the world. One written word can help a company boost its revenues by millions or cause the company to go bankrupt in a New York minute. Every day millions of people watch television, listen to the radio or read newspapers. The in-home viewing time for television is about six hours per day (Kennedy). The OJ Simpson trial, the Olympic bombing and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center are some of the media events that kept Americans glued to their television sets."
