Abstract This paper examines how, in August of 1789, the National Assembly, in response to peasant revolts, abolished the feudal system and created a declaration of rights. It looks at how the parish cahiers and the actions of the peasants suggest they were more concerned with subsistence than feudal issues, with anti-feudal riots being the result. It also looks at how the bourgeois class, in contrast, were more concerned with social mobility and the protection of property. It attempts to show how the decrees of August, 1789, while benefiting the peasants in some real ways, were essentially designed to promote the interests of the moneyed classes.
From the Paper "Less concerned with subsistence, the Third Estate was able to voice its grievances in the cahiers much more effectively than the peasantry. While the leaders of the Third Estate shared many demands with the peasants, particularly taxation, the frequency and emphasis of other specific concerns stands in contrast to the parish lists. It is often noted that the bourgeoisie of the Eighteenth Century generally aspired to join the nobility. This desire was fostered largely by a lack of social mobility available to the Third Estate16 and was a frequent issue in the cahiers. The Third Estate of Carcassonne, for example, suggested that "the general or particular regulations which exclude members of the Third Estate from certain positions, offices, and ranks which have hitherto been bestowed on nobles either for life or hereditarily [should be abolished]."17 Another major concern of the Third Estate was the payment of the franc-fief, a tax on land passing from a nobleman to a commoner. This tax, argued the bourgeoisie, interfered with the sale of property."
Tags: cahiers, citizen, declaration, feudalism, french, revolution, rights
Abstract This study will examine the moral decision of Antigone, in Sophocles' play Antigone, to bury her dead brother against the legal decree of Creon, the King of Thebes. Antigone grants that her brother Polyneices has indeed broken the law by trying to take over Thebes (the reason that Creon wants to disallow his burial), but Antigone argues that there is a higher law than the legal code, a higher law which is based on the sacred tie of blood relations. She argues that the gods support her in her effort to bury her brother.
From the Paper "This study will examine the moral decision of Antigone, in Sophocles' play Antigone, to bury her dead brother against the legal decree of Creon, the King of Thebes. Antigone grants that her brother Polyneices has indeed broken the law by trying to take over Thebes (the reason that Creon wants to disallow his burial), but Antigone argues that there is a higher law than the legal code, a higher law which is based on the sacred tie of blood relations. She argues that the gods support her in her effort to bury her brother. The decision may cost her her life, but she is determined to do everything she can to follow and abide by what she sees as a higher moral calling. After an examination of the decision itself, this study will apply the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant and Jeremy Bentham to that decision."
Abstract The writer gives a brief history of female genital mutilation (FGM) including the different types, the reasons behind this occurrence and why it continues today. The paper looks at FGM in Egypt and Kenya and the policies in each of these countries are outlined in detail. The author explains that in Egypt FGM began for religious reasons and despite many challenges to the validity of the Fatwa, or religious decree, continues to this day. According to the paper, the rate is smaller than in previous generations, but it still continues to pose a threat to the lives of young girls in the country. In the case of Kenya, it began as a rite of passage, which largely went unnoticed by the rest of the world until the early 1960s when Kenya wanted independence and suddenly found this practice under scrutiny by the rest of the western world. The paper also discusses the United Nations and World Agency positions on FGM in order to help understand what attempts are being made by the world community to try to stop this practise on the grounds that it is a violation of human rights.
From the Paper "Data from the Adolescence and Social Change in Egypt survey suggest significant recent change in both the prevalence and practices surrounding female circumcision. After apparently remaining constant and nearly universal for several decades, prevalence among contemporary teenage girls is predicted to be more than 10 percent less than for their mothers. Still, the level of circumcision among Egyptian girls is high. Our data do not allow us to pinpoint the onset of the decline, but they do suggest an increased momentum in the years following 1994. Without further measurement at later time points, we cannot be certain that uncircumcised girls in the ASCE sample will avoid circumcision in the future. However, analysis of girls' own attitudes toward the practice hint that increasing age brings greater independence of thought and diminished support for circumcision (Nawal, 1980)."
Abstract This paper provides strong opinion for the death penalty for Andrea Yates. A detailed background to the trial is presented and discussed. The writer then lays out arguments from both sides of the spectrum - lawyers, journalists and public opinion, as to why the death penalty should or should not have been decreed. The writer then expresses his own personal opinion regarding the trial and the outcome.
From the Paper "It was on June 20, 2001 that a mother named Andrea Yates killed her five children, which she confessed as an act of insanity. However, a panel of eight women and four men juts took half an hour to decide the fate of Andrea Yates. This was a Texas jury who secured the life of her, on purpose, 40 minutes before sentencing her to life in prison rather than giving her the death penalty (ABCNEWS.com).
However, according to the sentence life imprisonment, she has been made entitled for parole in 40 years. She beseeched not guilty by giving an excuse of insanity to two counts of capital murder in the deaths of her three children: namely; Noah who was seven years old, John, five years and Mary just six months old. However, she was not on trial for the drowning of her other two kids; Luke, three years old and Paul two years (ABCNEWS.com)."
Tags: legislation, suicide, depression, drowning, jury, post-partum, life
A look at the history and development of conflicts in the laws including spousal equity, property, jurisdiction, domiciles, marriage validty, foreign divorce decrees, support and child issues.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 23 sources, 1993, $ 135.95
From the Paper "Family Law and the Conflict of Laws: Great Britain and California
This paper will examine the development of the conflict of laws as it pertains to Family Law in England and California. The first part of the paper will give a brief discussion of the history of the subject in England and the United States, including the problem of federalism and foreign country law in the United States. The second part of the paper will examine the current state of the law in England, concentrating on the jurisdiction of English courts to issue decrees in matters involving parties not necessarily domiciled or resident in England and the recognition of foreign decrees in England. The third part of the paper will provide the same treatment for California law. Particular attention will be paid in both parts to divorce, maintenance or support, and child custody decrees."
Abstract This paper asks the philosophical question of whether one can abide by the law and make it weaker by doing so. In Plato's "Crito", Socrates does not avoid his punishment of death, as decreed by law, by fleeing from Athens. Instead, he chooses to stay and confront the punishment. This bold action leads one to the question of whether Socrates? refusal to flee Athens and the laws that govern it caused the laws to become stronger or weaker. In answering this question, this paper shows that one may further understand the ancient Athenian viewpoint of how a citizen's actions reflect on the state. It is shown that Socrates? decision to stay within the walls of Athens reinforces the laws and, therefore, makes them stronger.
From the Paper "One may argue that when Socrates decides not to flee from Athens, but rather chooses to stay in the city and be executed, he is making the laws of the city weaker. In doing what is a righteous action in his mind, Socrates is actually hurting what he will die defending. The many citizens of Athens will see that their laws have put to death not only one of the greatest minds the city has to offer, but, more importantly, an innocent man. How can one live in peace knowing that at any minute, he may be put in jail or even killed without doing anything wrong? This fear will make the laws of Athens look weak and flawed because they have failed to provide justice (Overton). One wants to live in a place where he/she can live comfortably and ensure a comfortable life for their children. By being executed, Socrates is giving in to the state, and thus validating the harsh reality of the wrongful punishment. If Socrates flees, he at least shows that one can avoid punishment if the laws give it to him unjustly."
Abstract This study examines the moral decision of Antigone, in Sophocles' play "Antigone", to bury her dead brother against the legal decree of Creon, the King of Thebes. It explains that Antigone grants that her brother Polyneices has indeed broken the law by trying to take over Thebes (the reason that Creon wants to disallow his burial), but Antigone argues that there is a higher law than the legal code, a higher law which is based on the sacred tie of blood relations. She argues that the Gods support her in her effort to bury her brother. It shows that even though the decision may cost her her life, but she is determined to do everything she can to follow and abide by what she sees as a higher moral calling. After an examination of the decision itself, this study applies the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant and Jeremy Bentham to that decision.
From the Paper "Creon and Antigone could not stand in more stark contrast to one another in terms of the qualities important to each. Creon may have the civic law on his side, and he may argue from that basis, at least on the surface, but the play shows that his major concerns are pride and revenge, not following the law. Antigone, on the other hand, cares only about doing what is right according to the highest standards of humanity and of the gods. She wants to bury her brother as much as Creon wants to prevent his burial. A powerful clue to the essential stands of each character is that Antigone determinedly maintains her ethical stand to the end, while Creon changes his mind and buries Polyneices--although he acts too late to avert the catastrophe prophesied by Teiresias."
Abstract This paper explores the health system provided by the government of Kuwait. The paper explains how the Kuwaiti government offers free health care to all of its citizens, at any age and in any circumstance. This generous system also extends to the animals and livestock owned by Kuwaiti's. The paper includes an analysis of the medical education system and training for doctors as well as the financing and implementation of it all. The paper also makes some brief comparisons to other countries' health systems.
From the Paper "The doctors and nurses and medical technicians that implement hands-on health care in the clinics and hospitals are trained in the following facilities: the Faculty of Medicine University (established in 1973); the College of Medical Science and Allied Health (built in 1982); and the College of Pharmacy and College of Dentistry (established in February, 1996). These facilities are the result of an ordinance issued by the Amir in July, 1973; or, in other words, a decree."
Tags: doctor, medical, nurse, livestock, arab, muslim, government, amir, decree
Abstract At the heart of Sophocles' play "Antigone" and Plato's examination of Socrates' trial in "The Last Days of Socrates", as well as in Plato's own philosophy, there is an examination of what constitutes a morally right action. For both Antigone and Socrates, a personal system of ethics takes precedence over what the state has decreed is good or right. In Antigone's case, she calls on the Gods as providing a higher system of justice than that of Creon, who is merely representative of the State. Socrates and Plato, also defer to the existence of a higher morality than any found in an earthly court.
Abstract This paper examines Book XII of Virgil's "Aeneid" and its appropriateness to the rest of the work. While the first eleven books of Virgil's work seem to focus on Aeneas's pious nature, Book XII shows readers a different side to his character and appears to be completely contradictory to the earlier books. However, the thesis of this paper argues that Book XII is appropriate to the rest of the "Aeneid" and forces readers to understand that Virgil uses this last book of his work to dispel the belief that Aeneas relies only on the decrees of fate from the gods to make his decisions.
From the Paper "Although I understand that Book XII of Virgil's Aeneid has been the subject of much scholarly debate throughout history, I believe that the ending of the poem is quite appropriate, especially when considering the events that unfold throughout the first eleven books. While some may argue that Book XII is simply a culmination of Aeneas? pious submission to the decrees of fate, I will attempt to demonstrate that, on the contrary, Aeneas? faith in his mission to found a new city for his people leads to a defining choice that demonstrates his leadership abilities to those whom he intends to rule."
Tags: greek, history, homeric, literature, poetry, roman
Abstract This paper explains that some women had been able to vote for deputies of the First and Second Estates before the Revolution, but the r?glement royal (royal decree) of January 24, 1789, took those voting rights away; women could only vote through a male representative. The author points out that professional and working women joined in the fight from the storming of the Bastille in 1789 through the many years of revolt that followed. The paper relates that, even as they worked diligently for liberty, women were not considered citizens of France and did not win the right to vote until 1944.
From the Paper "Most of the women who championed and worked for the Revolution believed in the rights of women, and that the Revolution would create a new age for women in France. One of these women was Th"roigne de M"ricourt, a single woman and singer who worked tirelessly throughout the Revolution, and was awarded a couronne civique for her activity in the August 10, 1792 attack on the Tuileries. She gave numerous speeches about the Revolution, started a club for both sexes called the "Amis de la loi," a club who hoped to inform the populace in political matters and to drive out fear and ignorance. She traveled to Belgium to incite revolution, where she was jailed in Austria until 1791. "She described her persecutors as abominable and hideous liars, saying 'not only is their goal to incriminate and defile an innocent woman, but they tend also to compromise and dishonour persons who are respectable and deserving of the esteem of the public.'" When she returned to Paris after her release, she was greeted with admiration and applause. De M?ricourt is representative of women who worked for the Revolution in many ways."
This paper discusses the historical change in the structure of the classic Hollywood system and the production and distribution factors which have contributed to that change.
Abstract This paper explains that, at its height, Hollywood was a vertically integrated industry in which the major producers and distributors--the studios--also owned the movie theaters, which took in more than three-quarters of the gross receipts paid at the box office. The author points out that an antitrust suit broke up this monopoly; the consent decree, first accepted by Paramount in 1948, shook the movie industry and altered exhibition practices. The paper relates that, once distributors and exhibitors no longer shared a common financial interest, their relationship became more adversarial with the providers of films seeking to indemnify themselves against losses by imposing onerous conditions on the exhibitors or limiting the flow of product to such an extent that the theaters eventually used the films as loss leaders to ensure the profitable sales of concessions.
From the Paper "During the 30's and 40's, lack of competition in the leisure stakes afforded Hollywood a high degree of public consumption. Film-goers could immerse themselves in the fantasy and escapism offered to them on the screen. American movies, more so than any other developed nation, were seen the world over. Once a film had recouped its production and distribution costs in the United States, any income derived abroad was pure profit. The outbreak of war in Europe, however, forced Hollywood to look to its home market as its prime source of revenue. With luxury goods scarce, American dollars were spent going to the movies. As Balio points out, by having well-situated theatres, it was a boom-time for the major studios, who saw film rentals rise from $193 million in 1939 to $332 million at the end of the war. Despite attendance's in 1946 reaching a record ninety million, the security enjoyed by the majors was on the wane due to two important factors; one by association, the other, directly aimed at the film industry. The investigation into Hollywood as part of the House of Un-American Activities into Communist infiltration in 1947, had far-reaching effects within the industry. Directors, actors, technicians and, most commonly, screenwriters, found their careers ended by this association with Communist ideology."
Abstract This paper discusses the power of the Hindu religion in subjugating lower castes and women and asserts that, even if supposedly divinely decreed, this subjugation is not right and contradicts the notion of universal human rights.
From the Paper "The caste system, as determined by Hinduism, first appeared in the Upanishads and was absorbed into Indian society around 500 BC. Basically, the caste system is used to separate all individuals in Indian society into separate, strictly regimented castes. The four castes are Brahmins, or priests, Kshatriyas, or warriors, Vaisyas, or producers, and Shudras, or servants. Below even the Shudras are outcastes, which included the untouchables. This last, unfortunate group consisted of the lowest, most unclean, most hopeless members of Indian society, if they could even be called members. Indeed, before walking down a street, they were required to announce their presence so others could move away and avoid being supposedly defiled by these untouchables."
Abstract This paper explains that, in 1993, the Justice Department (DOJ) began an investigation into the allegations that (1) Microsoft used predatory pricing tactics to destroy competitors and eliminate competition in the marketplace and (2) erected technical barriers within their operating systems to make it difficult or impossible for non-Microsoft software to run on Windows; on July 15, 1994, in a consent decree, Microsoft agreed that it would not tie other Microsoft products into its Windows operating system. The author points out that this dominance was due to Microsoft's (1) development of a common user interface, which allows users to use similar commands in each of the individual application products, (2) concept of backward compatibility so that the older versions of applications work with newer versions of the operating system and (3) integration of its individual applications allowed users to create and use data between applications such as a spreadsheet created in Excel could be imported into a PowerPoint presentation. The paper continues to describe several other anti-trust cases such as the 2004 agreement with the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and Novell.
From the Paper "In order to understand the environment in which the Microsoft anti-trust actions occurred, it is necessary to examine the beginnings of Microsoft. After an early career as a hacker, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Traf-O-Data in Seattle, Washington, a company started to develop and market a machine to generate traffic flow statistics. This machine was not the success that Gates and Allen hoped for, however. It may have been the youthfulness of the owners (Gates was 16), or it may have been that the state of Washington began to offer the same services for free."
Compares the experience of a Rabbi that lived in the Kovno Ghetto during the Holocaust to that of the secretary of the Jewish Council of Kovno,who lived there during the same period.
Abstract This paper compares two different perspectives on the Holocaust, a secular and a religious one. Rabbi Ephraim Oshry and Avraham Tory's accounts of their experiences in the Kovno ghetto are compared on different levels. While Oshry describes more of the religious aspects of being Jewish and living in the Ghetto, Tory describes the day to day events as the secretary of the Jewish Council of the Kovno Ghetto.
From the Paper "Rabbi Ephraim Oshry's account of the massacre of the Jews in the Kovno ghetto as told in his writing The Annihilation of Lithuanian Jewry, can be compared to Avraham Tory's account of the Kovno ghetto from his diary Surviving the Holocaust on different levels. On one level we can see how their roles in the community of the Kovno ghetto affected their accounts of the atrocities committed in the ghetto. Rabbi Ephraim Oshry served as a spiritual leader and man of God who instilled faith in the Jews in Lithuania when all seemed hopeless, as Avraham Tory was a more secularized Jew who was a secretary for the Jewish Council of the Kovno ghetto who assisted Dr. Elkes in working to better the conditions of the Jews in the Kovno ghetto. As a result the emphases in their accounts are different. On another level we can compare the two accounts through the different style of writing of each eyewitness. Rabbi Ephraim Oshry compiled his book on Lithuanian Jews after the war, and throughout the book he tells us the way the people in the ghetto perished and survived, which gives us a broader view of the ghetto. Avraham Tory's account is that of his daily diary that he kept during the ghetto in which we have a detailed chronological description of the destruction of the Lithuanian Jews and learn the daily struggles of the people of the ghetto, and especially the responsibilities the Jewish Council faced. Despite these differences in the way the accounts are presented, each account is very detailed in describing when and what happened during each major "Action" or roundup of Jews and is completely consistent with each other."
