Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses court cases on special education and their impact on subsequent classroom practice. The writer looks at provisions of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

From the Paper
"The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) authorizes federal financial assistance to states that agree to provide such children with special education and related services needs. This and earlier laws require all schools to provide special needs students with a variety of disabling or handicapping conditions with a free public education provided in the least restrictive environment a mandate that is generally viewed as requiring schools to offer such children to the extent feasible and productive of a positive educational outcome the ..."

Tags:special education, classroom practice, educational law, IDEA

Abstract
The paper argues that judges are appointed by elitist institutions that result in decisions that are out of touch with the political and social realities of Canadian society. The paper looks at several court cases and shows how the court essentially makes decisions that are biased towards upper class individuals. The paper concludes that the Supreme Court appointment process needs to be reformed.

From the Paper
"The fact that social and class biases can shape judicial decisions has been proven in a number of studies. For example, in "Constituting class and crime in Upper Canada" it is argued, "Law often is constituted in ways that make its everyday enforcement a reflection of class and class-related conditions". What this means is that class is a major determinant of law enforcement. Therefore, the class composition of the Supreme Court of Canada will have a major impact on the types of decisions that are made. This means that the appointment process will have a major impact on the decisions made by the Supreme Court of Canada.
"Even when the Supreme Court of Canada makes decisions that are in line with Canadian society as a whole it can be argued that they are influenced by political patronage. This can be seen in the recent decisions about same sex marriage. In "Canada" Priya Verma et al explain how parliament voted 158-133 in favour of same sex marriage."

Tags:judiciary, elitist, institutions, appointments

Abstract
In this article, the writer refers to how Supreme Court judges are appointed. The writer explains that the Minister of Justice advises the Prime Minister, and looks at PM Harper's wish to make the process more transparent. The writer discusses that Harper saw that Justice Marshall Rothstein was aired in a TV interview by the Ad Hoc Parliamentary committee and various legal experts, responding to questions on activist courts and the possible tightening of the criminal justice system. The writer argues that this was a good development, pointing out that no other court in the western hemisphere has quite as much power as the Supreme Court of Canada.

From the Paper
"This paper examines how judges are appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada when new openings appear. Critics have seen the longstanding method of appointing new judges as not very democratic, because politics or favoritism or regional questions can mean that not always the very best qualified candidate is chosen. The Prime Minister chooses from names or other advice given by the Minister of Justice so that much depends on the quality of the ministers or their different interests in matters of the Supreme Court, at large. Jacob S. Ziegel, a Professor of Law emeritus at ..."

Tags:Harper, supreme, court, transparency

Abstract
The paper discusses the aims of special education in light of the rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism. The paper examines the research on the issues of inclusion, positive behavior support and being an advocate for students with disabilities.

Outline:
Introduction
Philosophy of Special Education
Inclusion
Positive Behavior Support
Advocating for Students with Disabilities
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Special Education is designed to meet the needs of students with mental and/or physical disabilities. Because special education students learn differently than general education students, various philosophies have arisen throughout the years to ensure that the needs of special education students are met. Some of the most recent trends in special education involve how to educate autistic students. The rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism has necessitated the emergence of new special education programs and paradigms. To some extent it can be rather difficult to establish a specific philosophy of autistic students because autism is a spectrum disorder. This means that some students are verbal and function at average or better than average academic level while others are nonverbal and experience great difficulty in academic settings."

Tags:disabilities, autism, inclusion, support, advocate

Abstract
The paper examines a judge appointment process in North America, specifically, the Supreme Court of Canada appointment process. It is argued that the process is outdated and outmoded and as a result, the Supreme Court of Canada is largely out of touch with Canadian society.

From the Paper
"Canada, like all democratic countries, has a number of socio-political institutions that are vital to a healthy democracy. Legal systems have to be one of the most important of these institutions. For example, in "The Courts", Ian Greene states, "Democracy requires an independent judiciary. our political system can function fairly only with courts staffed by judges who are not accountable for their decisions-not accountable so that they can be independent...""

Tags:supreme, court, canada

Abstract
This paper discusses how special education is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The paper explains that these are the primary legal initiatives directing state and local authorities, and when these authorities fail to meet their obligations, recent court decisions lay the blame and fiscal responsibilities upon these authorities.

From the Paper
"This paper shall provide an overview of special education in the United States as mandated by Federal Statute and as enforced by recent legal precedent. Special education is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These are the primary legal initiatives directing state and local authorities. When these authorities fail to meet their obligations, recent court decisions lay the blame and fiscal responsibilities upon these authorities."

Tags:special, education, law

Abstract
The paper reviews and analyzes several cases in which students claim that their First Amendment rights were violated - "Tinker v. Des Moines School District," "Board of Ed v. Pico," and "Bethel School District No.403 et al. v. Fraser." The paper defines and explains the First Amendment, and explores how it is applied and interpreted in each of the three cases. The paper also poses questions of interpretation, such as whether the First Amendment allows one to manifest a view of hatred toward others. The paper concludes as the author shares relevant personal experience and commentary, and states his opinion that the First Amendment should not be used to protect stupidity.

Outline:
Abstract
Summary of the Issue
Questions To Be Addressed
Summary of Related Supreme Court Cases/Rulings:
"Tinker v. Des Moines School District"
"Board of Ed v. Pico"
"Bethel School District No.403 et al. v. Fraser"
Application to Instructional Practice
References

From the Paper
"My school recently had an issue with the "Clique" books. The books promoted using eating disorders to stay skinny, talking badly about other students, and lying to get what you want. The author has since written saying she regrets writing the books. My district managed the problem by removing the books from the accelerated reader list. A note was circulated to parents saying that it was not the districts policy to ban books. However, parents should be aware of what their children should be reading. I think this was a good way to handle the situation. The students could still read the books, but would not receive school credit to do so because of their removal from the test list. Furthermore, it made parents aware of the books' content, and allowed them to make the decision on their children's reading habits."

Tags:First Amendment, Law, Education, Freedom of Speech, Freedom, Special Education

Abstract
This paper explains that an interesting but not surprising theme of this debate is that most advocates of an international criminal court tend to be from smaller and less powerful countries. The author points out that most opponents of an international criminal court tend to be from powerful, wealthy, industrialized countries. The paper relates that some of the main argument in favor of an international criminal court are its empower of weaker countries and their citizens and the reduce global tensions.

From the Paper
"In analyzing whether the world needs an international criminal court, it is evident that a number of arguments have been made both for and against such a court. The first main pro argument in favor of an international criminal court is that it would empower weaker countries and their citizens by providing them with the means through the ICC to redress grievances against powerful countries or their citizens. The second main pro argument is that the establishment of an ICC would reduce global tensions through the empowerment it provided weaker states and their citizens."

Tags:international, criminal, court

Abstract
This paper examines the benefits and disadvantages of inclusion programs from the point of view of the student as well as the teacher.
Inclusion means keeping special education students in regular classrooms and bringing the special support services to them. It discusses the affect it has on the children's education and on their parents. It details the types of schools where inclusion is more successful and where it is less successful. It discusses psychological and educational research done on this issue and presents its conclusions. It discusses several relevant education models such as: The itinerant model, used for certain categories of special education and the consultation model, when the teacher remains in one or two buildings with larger numbers of students to serve.

From the Paper
"In schools where collaboration was successfully implemented, the special needs children developed improved social skills, greater motivation to learn, and increased self-esteem. Positive peer relationships developed. In these situations, "Collaboration brought complementary professional skills to planning, preparation, and delivery of classroom instruction" [Ripley, 1997]. "The concepts of individualized instruction, multiple learning styles, team teaching, weekly evaluation, and detailed planning are all of direct benefit to students "[Ripley, 1997] Middle Schools easily lend themselves to the principles of collaboration. Collaboration is an important process of general education of Middle School Students where interdisciplinary teams often share in planning [Hines, 2001]. Middle school structures can be used as a model for special education inclusion."

Tags:special, general, eductaion, teachers, inclusion, program, students, collaboration, middle, school

Abstract
This paper examines the history of the Guardian ad Litem system, which is a system of volunteers and attorneys who represent children who are victims of child abuse and neglect. They investigate a case and make a report to the judge. The paper looks at how effective the program has been and some of the problems it presents.

From the Paper
"Historically it has always been believed that parents took care of their children's best interests but this fallacy became apparent when Dr Henry C. Kempe published "The Battered Child Syndrome" and it was recognized for the first time that such a clinical condition existed and threatened a child's life.

Tags:Guardian ad litem (GAL), Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)