Abstract This paper examines the current Anglo-American judicial system and its history while also considering some of its drawbacks. In response to these short-comings, the author suggests alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as arbitration and impartial investigation. These methods are discussed in light of their use in other legal systems around the world. The author concludes that a reform of the adversarial systems currently in use in the Anglo-North American world would be desirable because reforms might increase the availability of true justice for large segments of the population.
Outline:
Introduction
The Development of the Adversarial System
The Adversarial System vs. Alternative Forms of Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution: The European Civil Code Example
Possibilities and Problems Relating to the Implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom
Conclusion
From the Paper "The justice system of the Anglo-North American world is an adversarial one. A lawyer is an advocate - he or she represents the case and the views of his or her clients. The rightness or wrongness of the arguments of the opposing side is of no concern to counsel. It is the duty of the lawyer to represent the client's case to the best of his or her ability; to make use of whatever legal arguments, statutes, precedents, etc. will advance his or her client's cause. In essence, the judicial system of the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and other nations that follow the English legal tradition, is one of a debate between two sides. It is the responsibility of the judge and jury to decide the case based on the relative merits of the arguments for each side. In contrast to the usage of many other nations, there is no independent attempt made to determine the correctness of either argument. Neither judge nor jury possesses the authority to actually investigate the claims made. As well, Anglo-North American law does not require that actionable cases strictly match the provisions of some pre-established code. Precedent is of great importance having, in the absence of positive law to the contrary, the force of law. In this sense, the law is quite malleable. Through careful research, an attorney might discover a useful prior decision that could lend weight to his or her arguments. Again, since there is no adherence to a strict code of laws, as say the Roman Law, or the Code Napoleon, it becomes possible to manipulate existing laws and precedents to suit the situation. Of course, a major difficulty of any system that relies upon the best presented argument is the danger that such an argument may not actual to be correct. Rather, it only appears to be correct. As a result, many have begun to question the utility and fairness of the adversarial system. "
Abstract The paper evaluates different types of alternative medicine in today's society, which serve as viable alternatives to more traditional therapies. The paper explains that these alternatives serve as feasible opportunities for individuals to refrain from the potential harshness of chemically-based medications and compounds that many individuals do not consider as effective.
From the Paper "Acupuncture is an ancient treatment that incorporates the use of needles of various sizes at specific points on the human body as a means of promoting physiological healing and normal function (Singer, 2004). This technique evolved in China, where individuals sought to alleviate their ills through the energy that was produced within all body systems and this enabled the insertion of needles to promote all systems to operate effectively and without the interference of illness or pain (Singer, 2004). There are a wide variety of needles that are utilized in this procedure, and the treatment is identified with a number of different categories, including the following: Electro-Acupuncture, which involves the use of electricity as a means of promoting healing; Sonopuncture, which involves sound waves and lasers; Moxibustion, which utilizes heat along with needles to encourage the healing process."
Abstract This paper discusses the different types of alternate energy sources. There are three reasons for the U.S. to find alternate energy sources: cost, dependence on the Mid East, and the environment. This paper discusses the importance of both home and automobile alternate energy sources. The U.S. has offered incentives for different companies to work on finding these sources.
From the Paper ""At some plants, electric and fuel costs alone can be reduced by more than 30 percent -- $200 million in one case - by taking advantage of smarter procurement methods already available but underutilized" (Industrial Energy, 3005, 27). These statistics are something that many businesses must consider with the fear of higher and higher energy costs. America has been warned on the news that natural gas prices can go up as high as 70 percent this winter. "But now, with natural gas rising to more than $7 per million BTUs and eastern coal up to $60 per ton, average U.S. electricity prices, by state, now range from 5 cents to 16 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh)" (Carey, Aston, Hibbard, and Grover, 2005, 36). Recently, the news warned that gasoline prices could go up as high as $5.00 a gallon during the Katrina crisis."
Abstract This paper offers an overview of some forms of alternative education focusing on home-schooling, the Waldorf School System and the Charter School System. It discusses the effect on student performance. The author explores the reasons why home-schooling is a growing segment of alternative education.
From the Paper "Koetzsch states that in its broadest sense alternative education refers to all programs of education that fall outside of the traditional K public school system. These programs would include private schools, home schools, ..."
Abstract This paper looks at how some of the techniques and therapies used in alternative medicine are being integrated into the practice of conventional medicine. The paper explains that the combined use of alternative medicine with conventional medicine is known as Integrative Medicine.
From the Paper "Today people are often questioning the methods of traditional medicine but are not quite ready to abandon them in favor of alternative or complementary treatments. Some doctors and hospitals are delving into the benefits of alternative and complementary medicine, combining some of the techniques used with traditional therapies. They are creating a field called integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Integrative medicine combines the best of traditional medicine with alternative medicine to maximize benefits for the patient."
Abstract The paper identifies the key issues related to alternative medicine therapies in today's society, whereby nurses are required to provide care and treatment that does not always emphasize the alleviation of pain and suffering. The paper explains how alternative therapies serve as an effective means of offering patients with new treatment regimens for alleviating symptoms and illness.
From the Paper "In today's society, it is strongly evident that medical care is comprised of a wide variety of techniques and therapies that are designed to promote health and wellness. However, alternative therapies are also available, which encourage well being without many of the side effects of chemical and technological interventions. In the modern world, evidence suggests that many traditional therapies tend to cause more harm than good to patients and therefore it is strongly recommended that other alternatives must be considered in order to promote improved health and wellness. I believe that alternative therapies are the key to future success for many individuals as a means of eradicating illness and its symptoms; however, this is not the only choice for some patients, as traditional therapies are deemed more effective in treating some types of illnesses on a long-term basis."
Abstract This paper discusses the alternative school system in relation to the traditional school system in Canada. This paper reviews the benefits of alternative schooling and helps to dismiss some of the myths surrounding traditional schools.
From the Paper "Many people are suspicious of alternative schools. This is not surprising, since most people were educated at traditional schools. However, this paper argues that alternative schools teach everything that regular schools do, and a lot more besides. In particular, they foster many important qualities that ultimately contribute to the happiness and success of the children when they grow up. Thus, it would be a good thing for the schools boards of Ontario to open up more alternative schools. This will be shown by first exploding some of the myths of traditional schools, and then discussing the benefits of alternative schools."
Abstract The paper explains that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) describes an array of healing modalities whose time for serious consideration and integration into the present healthcare system may have arrived. The paper states that homeopathy is the most controversial form of CAM and discusses the biases claiming that homeopathy treatment is an an implausible treatment, but affirms that homeopathy is an important topic for public health. This is due to the affordability, accessibility and efficacy of homeopathic remedies.
Outline:
The Perception of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Conventional Medicine
Homeopathy: Medicine of the past and the future
Implications for CAM in Public Health
From the Paper "It is possible that unfounded accusations of quackery and the like are but a smokescreen that has been thrown up to blur certain facts about CAM's increased appeal. It is also possible that conventional health practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry are striving to monopolize treatment in the US. It is more likely however, that evidence-based research, which has become the pinnacle of standards for excellence in testing the efficacy and safety of treatment with drugs, is an improper testing method for CAM (Novella et al., 2007). CAM uses few, if any pharmaceutical treatments, and should be held to appropriate contextual standards for what CAM in general, and each therapy in particular, claims. Homeopathy, for example, displays effects that are vastly different than the action of drugs, and requires fundamentally different protocols from which to study and gather evidence."
Abstract This essay describes leukemia as a cancer that affects the blood production in bone marrow and the role that stem cells place in the growth of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets (which are clotting agents). The essay then considers three approaches to treatment of acute leukemia, and explores alternative treatments at the micro-cellular level as the most promising method of curing leukemic cancer.
Abstract The paper discusses the two alternatives of nuclear power and hybrid cars; both being economical enough to impact real change and be accepted into the energy spectrum. However, nuclear power has far more impact and has a proven track record. For example, the paper explains how nuclear power currently accounts for 20% of America's energy production and produces no carbon-dioxide. Hybrid cars, to this point, have only been able to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% and improve gas mileage by 2-3 mpg. This type of effect is simply on too small a scale to be economically viable or have an impact on the environment. The paper concludes that nuclear power, which is reemerging as a power source ready to expand, is the more viable option to reduce CO2 emissions.
From the Paper "For years alternative energy sources have been a major controversy. The debate has influenced many other areas besides simply energy consumption. It has clearly impacted the economic, political, and social climates of countries around the world. Nuclear power and hybrid cars are two alternatives that have been economical enough to impact real change and be accepted into our energy spectrum. Both of these alternatives are environmentally conscious and are helping to reduce carbon-dioxide levels in the atmosphere; however, clearly one is of greater use in the fight against CO2. Nuclear power has and will continue to be the major clean fuel source in the US, despite the positive impact of hybrid automobiles."
Abstract This paper examines the American metropolitan transportation system and maintains that it is in dire need of improvement, especially in terms of reducing air pollution. The paper discusses how the massive use of fossil fuels derived from oil is becoming prohibitively expensive, but that the gravest consequence is the constant emission of poisons into the atmosphere from vehicle exhausts. The paper points out that this problem has become especially acute over the last thirty years and needs to be resolved through the use of alternative fuels.
From the Paper "The American metropolitan transportation system is in dire need of improvement, especially in terms of reducing air pollution. The massive use of fossil fuels derived from oil is becoming prohibitively expensive, but the gravest consequence is the constant emission of poisons into the atmosphere from vehicle exhausts. This problem has become especially acute over the last thirty years and needs to be resolved through the use of alternative fuels. The initial development of fuel-efficient cars was primarily in response to the OPEC oil crisis of the nineteen-seventies and the resulting dramatic rise in gasoline prices for American motorists. Up until the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Americans drove high-powered, gas-guzzling cars and since gasoline was so cheap no consumers were interested in buying fuel-efficient cars."
Abstract The paper focuses on the complementary, alternative and integrated forms of healthcare that are currently an issue within the American medical community. The paper discusses the definitions of these healthcare options and the percentages of people in the United States who use these forms of healthcare. The paper also looks at the negative aspects toward making these healthcare options available and reviews the author's insights.
From the Paper "The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the central government body within the United States that oversees issues concerning complementary, alternative and integrated medicines. The center collects information regarding the use of these medicines worldwide, provides information for researchers wishing to conduct professional studies of CAM and acts as a consumer library for detailed CAM reports. Within the body of material that CAM generates are current descriptions for each of the three medicines considered. As the website states, the definitions, as well as the practices are under consistent change across the country while research begins specific findings on the industry, ("What", 2005, p.1). The NCCAM contends that the use of complementary, alternative and integrated medicines are continually changing practices which are not scientifically based and therefore are considered unconventional by the mainstream medical community ("What", 2005, p.1)."
Abstract This paper explores the conventional, alternative and combined treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. This paper discusses the risks and benefits associated with each of the therapies, and with a combination of all three therapies.
From the Paper "Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder which affects up to 20 percent of the North American adult population. The condition is characterized by chronic symptoms of pain and changed bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome produces a serious impact on quality of life, and also creates an enormous drain on healthcare resources. The use of alternative medicine either alone or in combination with conventional medicine is effective in resolving these issues."
