Abstract
This well-researched paper analyzes the role and rights of the biological father in adoption proceedings, while drawing upon an examination of relevant case laws. This paper details the history of the adoption process which was legally recognized in the U.S. in the 1850s, with the inception of the first adoption statute. The writer of this in-depth paper examines the Supreme Court's recognition and willingness to recognize and expand the rights of biological fathers in cases of adoption and / or custody matters. This paper provides a general overview regarding the current status of unwed fathers' adoption rights. This paper examines California law pertaining to the rights of the biological father. This paper discusses California's current stance on the issue, which is that the courts utilize the best interests of the child standard when considering whether the biological father presents a substantial risk of detriment to the child's well-being. While the other hand, other courts have argued that the best interests of the child standard should no longer be the primary consideration in the determination of whether the court should terminate an unwed biological father's rights. This paper cites numerous case studies containing relevant information to this particular topic. This paper details the case of Pena vs. Mattox, in which the biological father argued that his due process rights were violated when his parental rights were terminated by the adoption of his child. The writer contends and explains why are there are no clear guidelines establishing how courts should decide adoption cases involving fathers' rights, and as a result these rights have slowly evolved in favor of the father.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
General Adoption Information / History
A Father's Constitutional Rights
California Courts & Adoption Law
Role of the Supreme Court & The Present Status of Biological Father's Rights
Future of the Adoption Process
Bibliography
Cases Cited

From the Paper
"Whatever method courts decide to use, it is of paramount importance that these disputes be resolved in a quick and efficient manner. Dragging custody disputes out over long periods of time only serves to cause emotional harm to everyone involved, especially to the child whose future hangs in limbo while the case slowly moves through the courts. By implementing a uniform system of deciding these cases, forum shopping will be avoided. Consequently, multiple courts will no longer be asked to hear the same case, as happened in the Baby Jessica case. This will surely lead to faster adjudication and resolution of these disputes and, consequently, to less psychological trauma to the children caught in the middle."

Tags:rights, law, parent, child, legal, biological, adoption, case

Abstract
The paper argues that gay rights are different than civil rights because homosexuals make the decision to be gays and even the Bible shows that it is wrong, but African Americans are born "black" and the Bill of Rights guarantee rights to "all men". The paper compares gay rights with civil rights to show that gays make a decision to date or love another person of the same sex, while African Americans are born with their skin color and they should be given the same rights as any American.

From the Paper
"In a recent survey, people were asked whether same-sex relationships between consenting adults be legal with the results showing 48 percent saying yes and 46 percent saying no (Page 2003). While this close margin shows many people are lenient toward homosexuals, the question is whether they should receive rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Should gays receive rights compared to civil rights? What is the difference? While it is true that gays and minorities are often mistreated, the difference is in the ability to make a decision. Gay rights are different than civil rights because homosexuals make the decision to be gays and even the Bible..."

Tags:african, american, homosexuals, rights

Abstract
This paper analyzes South Africa's human rights record. It begins by defining human rights and discussing the areas within which an individual has human rights. It then provides a brief history of South Africa and its Bill of Rights. The paper specifically discusses educational rights, social and economic human rights and political and socioeconomic health rights. It also looks at related issues such as child labor, trafficking, women's issues and the treatment of children.

From the Paper
"Other women's issues include: Domestic violence is rampant and includes physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse, as well as harassment and stalking by former partners. Doctors, police, and judges treat abused women poorly. Spousal rape is a serious problem. Prostitution and trafficking is widespread and practiced openly. Discrimination against women remains a serious problem despite equal rights under family law and property law regarding inheritance, divorce, and custody of children, and equal legal rights under the judicial system. (State,2008)"

Tags:abuse poverty prostitution trafficking, Bill of Rights

Abstract
The early 1980s in Canada ushered in what have come to be known as second-generation rights through the introduction of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This document was instrumental in re-shaping both the application of human rights within the legal system, as well as how people perceived their rights historically. With new standards in place, Canada's record of commitment to human rights began to come under stronger scrutiny

From the Paper
Canada's commitment to human rights, 1984-2000 Canada has taken a strong stance towards a commitment to human rights. As Justice Dworkin asserted in 1996, a country cannot assume that moral good will arise without help, and Canada has taken seriously its responsibility to be pro-active in addressing human rights. The early 1980s in Canada ushered in what have come to be known as second-generation rights through the introduction of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This document was instrumental in re-shaping both the application of human rights within the legal system, as well as how people perceived their rights historically. With new standards in place,

Tags:canada, human, rights

Abstract
The paper looks at how Isabelle Barker, in "Disenchanted rights: The Persistence of Secularism and Geopolitical Inequalities in Articulations of Women's Human Rights," examines the complexities involved in the articulation of women's human rights within a global context of conflicting secular and non-secular ideologies. Opening with an examination of a United Nations conference in 2000, at which religious activists from a range of ideological perspectives played critical roles in shaping the agenda, she explores how secular and non-secular ideologies have functioned in the historical context, as well as today, in both fostering and restricting progress in women's rights. This paper critically explores Barker's arguments with respect to a number of other critical texts that address issues of women's rights and health within a global transnational context. The thesis is argued that while Barker's proposals with regard to the need for a "more robust use of intersectionality" (Barker n.d., p.8) are sound, the full implications of her arguments can only be understood within a much broader exploration of the discourse of rights in both western and non-Western/non-Christian contexts.

From the Paper
"Isabelle Barker, in "Disenchanted rights: The Persistence of Secularism and Geopolitical Inequalities in Articulations of Women's Human Rights," examines the complexities involved in the articulation of women's human rights within a global context of conflicting secular and non-secular ideologies. Opening with an examination of a United Nations conference in 2000, at which religious activists from a range of ideological perspectives played critical roles in shaping the agenda, she explores how secular and non-secular ideologies have functioned in the historical context, as well as today, in both..."

Tags:women, rights, culture

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses and analyzes the equal rights movement from the past to the present. The paper details the significant steps in the Women's Rights Movement from 1848 to the present. The writer discusses the current interests in women's rights and presents reasons for their importance. Further, the writer also discusses the future of women's rights, including increasing rights for women.

From the Paper
"For some the women's rights movement began when a number of women began discussing the status of women in America in earnest. Women were not allowed to vote, thus women had to submit to laws when they had no voice in their formation. Married women had no property rights. Husbands had legal power over and responsibility for their wives to the extent that they ... "

Tags:women's rights, suffrage, voting rights, equality, sexual harrassment, pay parity, equal rights amendment

Abstract
This paper addresses the present state of the Patients' Bill of Rights, as well as its history and future possibilities. Also explored are the issues of political support, arguments for and against, and major pitfalls in getting this legislation passed into law. The paper attempts to further explain general intentions of the Patients' Bill of Rights. The most pertinent bills specific to the Patients' Bill of Rights are presented and analyzed.

Outline:
Introduction
Arguments For and Against Patients' Bill of Rights
History of the Patients' Bill of Rights
Why the Patients' Bill of Rights has Failed
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"Before exploring the more complex issues involved, it is necessary to understand the general intentions of the Patients' Bill of Rights. Numerous bills involving patients' rights have been presented to the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Discussed in this paper are the most pertinent bills specific to the Patients' Bill of Rights: the 1998 Patients' Bill of Rights, H.R. 3605 and S. 1890; the Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001, S. 1052, S. 872, and H.R. 526; and the 2005 Patients' Bill of Rights, H.R. 2259, H.R. 2650, and S. 1012. In general, federal legislation that safeguards patients' rights is supported by both major political parties and the President, and also has considerable public appeal (Chavez, 2001, 606; Chaddock, 2001, 1)."

Tags:Patients', Bill, of, Rights, medical, legislation

Abstract
This paper presents the position that unbalanced animal rights policies have an unfair and detrimental effect on some human rights. The paper presents arguments that support its position and suggests that, in order to balance the rights and safety of men and the rights of animals, the government must develop a means testing approach to wildlife protection, which could be assembled to measure economic impact of proposed animal rights declarations.

Introduction to the ESA
The Cougar's Plight
The Problem of Protection
Protected Species vs. Protected Species
Conclusion and Research Proposal

From the Paper
"According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law (1996), the Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligated the government to protect all animal and plant life threatened with extinction. Included in this category are endangered species, which is defined as any species "which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Also protected are threatened species, which are defined as any species "which is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." The wide brush of this act is creating problems for those who are granting the rights to the animals. Unlike humans, who have been granted certain unalienable rights by their creator, (US Bill of Rights) animals receive the rights they enjoy from the highest species on the earth, man."

Tags:activist, group, citizen, communities, harm, rights, klammath, falls, fish, cougar, panther

Abstract
The universal declaration of human rights is dissected in this paper in order to challenge the notion of human rights and religion interacting cohesively. The three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their opinions on human rights are carefully examined in this paper, as well as their differences and similarities regarding this issue. Several examples of said human rights violations are described in respect to these religions. This paper tries to find a balance between human rights and respect for religious belief , which depends on the most important human right, the right to choose.

From the Paper
"Judaism, Christianity and Islam have much in common. All are, "founded on the eternal command to love one God, oneself, and all neighbors. Each tradition recognizes a canonical text as its highest authority- the Bible, the Torah and the Quran." The similarities continue in delegating authority to officials to propagate the faith, the embracing of an expanding body to interpret and enforce the religion's decree, the presence of a refined legal structure (the canon law, Halakha and Sharia) and the endeavor of each religion to imbue its religious, ethical and legal values into the daily lives of individuals and communities. Religious laws are not necessarily in breach of human rights so long as the freedom to choose religion or no religion is acknowledged. However, as has happened throughout history and even today, when religious laws are constructed by a state affecting all citizens, their option of a different or no religion becomes impossible."

Tags:declaration, human, islam, muslim, nations, religion, rights, united, universal, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, freedom, of, speech

Abstract
The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s was not a movement for equality in the social or political sense; rather, it was a movement to bring an end to economic inequality and exploitation by the elites. Common perception holds that the Civil Rights movement sought to gain certain political and social rights and equalities. Measures such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act reinforced such flawed perceptions. However, when the works of the leaders of the Civil Rights movement are consulted, it is discovered that they were seeking economic equality. They believed that the fundamental cause of racism was a flawed economic system. It is important to note that they did not believe that poverty in the traditional sense caused racism and inequality. They believed, especially King and Carmichael, that the entire economic system of the United States and of the world was inherently flawed. This essay explore? their arguments why racism was based on economics, why the system was flawed, and how they hoped to change the system.

Tags:1960s, black, king, luther, martin, rights