Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the nation. The writer maintains that by the very virtue of its long held traditions it might be tempting for its general communications to eliminate basic information about its goals and objectives, yet, within its web presence is a demonstrative mission, that explains its goals and objectives. The writer points out that the ACLU wishes to uphold the constitutional Bill of Rights and extend these rights to historically disenfranchised peoples. The writer discusses that its goals are clearly set by outlining the basic rights of the constitution and its objectives are to go about doing this in a manner that reflects these rights upon every individual American, as well as all people that America comes into contact with.

From the Paper
"The objectives of the ACLU are then applied to specific issues, according to the perceived needs of the issue itself and what the historical best practices are for achieving successful change for any given issue. The application of objectives can be very broad to very specific based on historical best practices according to the ACLU and other civil rights movements. If for instance a goal is to reduce the infringement of the constitutional rights of a single individual, who was transgressed against, the legal means might be used as a logical objective, while other goals, such as decreasing the utilization of the US sponsorship of torture and or rights infringement in the rest of the world, the call is to inform the public of the problem and then allow members and individuals in the organization to write congressmen and utilize the press to broaden concern for the problem. Though all of the tertiary objectives may be used in every case the focus is on what has worked best in any given similar case in the past."

Tags:rights, individual, legal, system, constitution

Abstract
John Milton, in his 17th century essay "Areopagitica", is widely regarded as having written one of history's "noblest vindication of intellectual liberty ever penned" (Morison, 93) with respect to the issue of freedom of speech over printed text. Similarly, the 21st century ACLU online article "Fahrenheit 451.2: Is Cyberspace Burning?" also appears to present an argument in favour of freedom of speech. The primary difference between Milton's argument and that of the ACLU appears to be simply one of different mediums for information access. This paper will argue, however, that Milton's argument differs significantly from that of the ACLU in that Milton never actually advocates freedom of the press. Rather, as will be seen, Milton argues in favour of denying the state the possibility of placing "previous restraint" upon the publication of information. Within this context, Milton supported the possibility of the state banning books or prosecuting writers after publication. The key difference between Milton's view and that of the ACLU is that the latter group advocates a much more sweeping approach to the idea of freedom of speech from all prosecution. However, with respect to the issue of "blocking" access to sites, it is clear that both the ACLU and Milton would be in agreement. As will be argued, the insertion of "blocking" technology clearly places "previous restraint" upon information.

From the Paper
"The Scopes Trial remains a central example of the battle between science and fundamentalist religion, or religion which is based on received truth and which denies the validity of much scientific inquiry. In many ways, America in the 1920s was divided into two nations, one urban and one rural, and therefore the battle in the Scopes case has been presented at least in part a battle between urban modernism and rural backwardness. The nation was also beset at the time with a nostalgia for a simpler past, a result of relief at the end of World War I, and many in rural areas sought to reassert the old verities.

H.L. Mencken certainly presented the issues in this light, depicting the urban nation as more accepting of scientific truth and so more willing to adapt to reality, while the rural region was clinging to old truths and refusing to accept new knowledge. In ..."

Abstract
The paper contends that while President Obama's decision to release the memos detailing torture in the United States against United States' prisoners is still controversial, it was the right decision. The paper argues that Obama drew social attention to the issue in an attempt to right an injustice, settled an ACLU lawsuit to show that the government cares about civil liberties, and set a new threshold for openness and safety that can be followed in the future.

From the Paper
"Obama's decision to release the CIA memos forced social attention onto the issue, encouraging both members of the government and civilians to consider the issue and come up with unique viewpoints. Obama's comment that "it is a 'time for reflection, not retribution'" implies the need for citizens to consider the issue. It seems that Obama has accomplished this goal, as since his decision news channels, blogs, and personal conversations have been buzzing about the topic. Certainly, Obama's decision to release the memos has encouraged people to pay attention to the methods the United States and other countries use to interrogate their prisoners and consider the moral implications of these methods. Describing the interrogation methods in extreme detail, the memos allow the public to consider the reality of what is happening on American soil. Before the release of these memos, the American public was discussing the issue, but within a veil of secrecy, as no one could say for sure what tactics were being used, and wide speculation was being employed. Today, however, the memos have allowed commentators to make statements like the following: "The words sound like something from a Nazi interrogation manual" (Medeiros). In his description of the memos, Medeiros, who writes for a left-wing political web site, makes his opinion about the torture known. He refers to some grizzly descriptions, and expresses his outrage that the memos were originally used to justify such techniques. Further, Medeiros draws historical examples to show why the United States made such a great humanitarian error by allowing this type of interrogation to take place."

Tags:civil, liberties, ACLU, government, transparency

Abstract
This paper explains that American common law, which formed the basis for later legislatures, set the ?age of sexual consent? at ten; but, today, the laws are different in different states: California, Oregon, Arizona, and Wisconsin set age 18 as the minimum age for consensual sex (for girls); most other states set age 16 or 17. The author points out that, recently, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a case in a Kansas appeals court demanding the reduction of the age of consent back to 13, as was originally defined in the ?Common Law?. The paper stresses that 'age of consent law' has an important restrictive role in our present day society and serves to protect young children from undue exploitation.

Table of Contents
Introduction
A Brief History
The Present Law
Controversial Reactions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Topics of such controversial nature carry arguments from both groups. One the one hand are the parents, social reformers and religious leaders who are concerned about the declining moral values and the health disorders that will result from premature sexual indulgence. This group of people is trying to raise the limit of the age of consent and hope that a legal barrier would prevent what they perceive a moral disaster and protect young and innocent children from exploitation. On the other hand are those (ACLU) who revolt against the law as an intrusion into children's personal rights. These groups consider the restrictive laws as ?a cogent and passionate critique of the war against young people's sexuality.? "

Tags:values, moral, common, aclu, pill

Abstract
This paper examines H.R. 1997, the law enacted in response to the murder of Laci Peterson, whose body and that of her unborn fetus, Connor, washed ashore shortly before her husband, Scott Peterson, was accused of the murder. Arguing from a pro-life perspective, the paper cites the National Right to Life Committee and other sources to support its argument, then summarizes the arguments of organizations that opposed the law, such as the ACLU and the National Organization of Women. The paper explains that, in essence, the H.R. 1997 states that any bodily injury or death caused to a fetus in utero is an offense separate from any crime against the mother. The paper presents other related perspectives, then goes on to explain that many people were concerned that an overexpansion of fetal rights would start eroding a woman's right to abortion, but the author dismisses these as flawed arguments. The paper concludes by noting that Senator John Kerry, who opposed the law in the belief that it would affect abortion rights, was in fact a Roman Catholic and was criticized by bishops for his stance.

Outline:
Introduction
The Law in Summary
The Controversy
Cons
Pros
More Opinions
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Another writer (Wood, 2005) has published an article questioning the validity of H.R. 1997. Wood writes from a "feminine perspective" and claims the bill is "disturbing" because the law's logic "...pervades development of crime policy in the United States" (Wood, 2005). The logic that Wood is talking about in her NWSA Journal article is one that "privileges the victimization of middle-class, white women and children (and fetuses), drawing upon their images as ideal victims both to authorize and hide the punishing power of the state." Wood asserts that laws that are passed based on particular victims (and not the general American public) tend to "reinforce a persistent and troubling image of the crime victim as young, white, female, and middle class." Wood goes on to mention other laws that are based on particular crime victims; "Megan's Law" for example (based on seven-year-old Megan Kanka's experience) requires sex offenders to register for ten years following their sentences; "AMBER Alert is based on nine-year-old Amber Hagerman; and the "Three Strikes Law" is based on 12-year-old Polly Klaas. What's wrong with these laws in the name of white, middle class young girls? Nothing, really, other than the lawmakers tend to ignore incidents such as the abduction and rape of "working-class black girls" like Alexis Patterson or Sherrice Iverson. Where is the outrage about those incidents, Woods wants to know, and why are no new laws related to the crimes against them?"

Tags:fetal, rights, abortion, choice, reproductive

Abstract
This paper examines women's rights and the suppression of women in America today. The paper explains that as women become larger and more predominant figures within sectors in the workforce, political arena and other areas of substantial recognition, their freedoms flourish and benefit is found among all of their contributions. The paper also points out that recognizing areas and instances of suppression, organizations like the ACLU, WRP and the National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) are able to counter-suppress the discrimination by pin-pointing the roots of these problems. The paper then looks at how such organizations bring attention to these matters and how this is perhaps one of the most significant factors supporting the efforts for women's rights. The paper concludes that as women's rights continue to progress, their independence has become more apparent and visible as sole discretionary freedoms, which only help to further the desires to rid the discrimination that once influenced the beliefs that women were incapable of fending for themselves in both the work force and at home.

From the Paper
"The evolution of women's rights has had a wrap-around affect that has taken years to finally begin to show its ramifications. As women were given more and more freedom, authority and equality in all aspects of life, the affects eventually came back to support their continuation and strengthened their efforts through the density within the areas they began to infiltrate. This has provided women with a voice to speak in defense of themselves and to stand up against the occurrences of discrimination in all areas of country. The further progression of these efforts has reached a point where women are fully capable of supporting themselves in many ways other than in simple regards as financial means. Fifty years ago, women were much more reliant upon the men in their lives to support and shelter their upbringing, youth, and adulthood."

Tags:discrimination, bigotry, freedom, politics

Abstract
In 1993, New Jersey became the first state to introduce the so-called Family Cap in state welfare policy, under which the state no longer awards cash assistance payments to women who have more children while on welfare. Since 1993, twenty-two other states have enacted similar laws. In January of 2003, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acted on behalf of New Jersey welfare recipients by taking the Family Cap provision to the State Supreme Court, arguing that it violated the Constitution of New Jersey. However, the Supreme Court of New Jersey upheld the original Family Cap decision, claiming it did not violate any existing constitutional laws in the state. This paper argues that the Family Cap, designed to penalize unwise family planning, results in unethical and discriminatory practices. The paper proposes a repeal of the Family Cap and a reformation of the New Jersey welfare policies.

From the Paper
"Although some studies suggest that birth rates have declined due to the Family Cap, a closer examination of the research shows that birth rates declined universally before the Cap was instated (Donovan; Levin-Epstein). In fact, the Rutgers studies outlined by Levin-Epstein do not exhibit any clear positive results stemming from the instatement of the Family Cap. Furthermore, those in favor of the Cap imagine that it will help welfare recipients become more financially independent by decreasing their reliance on government assistance. However, the Cap only hurts children born to poor mothers and is therefore unethical and discriminatory."

Tags:welfare, TANF, low, income

Abstract
This paper explores the impact on American civil liberties of new anti-terrorism laws put into effect by the Bush Administration. The paper focuses on the "Patriot Act" and the "Homeland Security Act". The paper argues that these laws seriously undermine the very freedoms that the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect. Arguments made by the ACLU that support this position are also cited.

From the Paper
"The Bush administration has characterized the U.S.. Patriot Act as "perhaps its most essential tool in fighting terrorists." (Lichtblau, 2003). However, they have also used the provisions of this law in criminal investigations that have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with terrorist security, including ?investigat[ing] suspected drug traffickers, white-collar criminals, blackmailers, child pornographers, money launderers, spies and even corrupt foreign leaders.? (Lichtblau, 2003) The Justice Department has defended these actions as simply making use of all the tools Congress has authorized them to use, and that they make no distinction between suspected terrorist activity and other suspected criminal activity."

Tags:al, qaeda, individual, rights, violation, terrorists, criminal, fighting, activity, justice

Abstract
An exploration of child pornography and the Internet. This paper is written from a point of view that supports the April 2002 ruling of the United States Supreme Court. Definitional issues, police entrapment, civil rights and consensual acts of people depicting minors are discussed. Although this paper does not contain any extremely vulgar or obscene material it has the potential of being offensive because of the touchy subject matter.

From the Paper
"Other ideas with the rejection of the child pornography definition is the concept of consensual acts and the idea of digital imaging enhancement to make picture appear as if they are depicting minors. Digitally enhanced child pornography will be addressed later in this paper, but I would like to address my opinions on consensual acts. When most people imagine child pornography they envision a child being raped. I agree with the child pornography stereotype; when I began this research I also envisioned child pornography as a world filled with brutal heinous rapes. Not all cases of child pornography portrayed on the Internet involve child rape scenes. The pornography at hand "might have been a picture of a seventeen year old in an unrevealing gym suit" but due to social reactions to the word child pornography is visualized as "an infant being sodomized by a brawny adult" (Chatelle 1996). Child pornography can encompass such things as teens engaging in consensual sexual acts, statutory rape as well as children wearing beach or gym clothes. In a case such as that no one is harmed in the production of the material except the norm views and expectations placed on society? In 1996 Congress "passed the Child Pornography Prevention Act" which is aimed at the goal of preventing "the production and distribution of computer generated sexual images of children" (Hatcher et al 1999: 418). Originally this legislation was passed to ensure that even "the production, distribution, and reception of images" that were altered to resemble images of minors engaging is sexual encounters were criminalized (Hatcher et al 1999: 418). However on April 16th 2002, the Supreme Court "struck down provisions of a federal law that made it a crime to create or distribute virtual child pornography that used computer images or young adults rather than actual children" (Greenhouse 2002)?.because of media depiction and definitions of child pornography the virtual dilemma will continue as a moral crusade."

Tags:aclu, act, child, cybercrime, cyberliberties, pedophilia, pornography