On March 27, President Barack Obama addressed the nation regarding his proposed “Development, Diplomacy and Defense” approach to addressing the “increasingly perilous” threat of Al Qaeda. Although his plan includes increased military presence in Afghanistan, he also emphasized the importance of developing the institutional infrastructure from the “bottom up” so that local actors will invest in the economic, political, and legal reforms of their nation.
As I listened to Obama on NPR, I noted how he referred to many of the same concepts and issues I teach in “Comparative Study of Transitional Justice.” This course exposes students to different case studies of how countries have tackled the arduous task of transitioning from conflict and repression to peace and stability. In particular, we have discussed the use of truth commissions and criminal trials as mechanisms used by nations like Peru, Chile, and South Africa, among others, to address past legacies of human rights violations. Often these measures seek to promote both reconciliation and the rule of law.
The course requires students to journal on their reactions to these topics. Not even a month ... Read more..
Archive for March, 2009
A number of U.K companies, including members of the Fortune 500 and some of the country's largest law firms, are now embracing the idea of outsourcing routine legal business to India, South Korea, Australia and other locales that offer far lower labour costs. Leading Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance has outsourced some of its routine legal business work, such as document processing, to Integreon, an Indian law firm. General Electric has set up a subsidiary in India that employs about 30 lawyers. Sensing an opportunity, a handful of companies have sprung up in recent years, both in the U.K. and abroad, that sell outsourced legal services. LawScribe, Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Lovells, Clifford Chance, Eversheds and Underwoods are just a few of the law firms that have embraced Legal Outsourcing. The pressure to improve business development and lead generation, whilst associate wages and property costs continue to soar, means that interest in outsourcing and off-shoring amongst British law firms will only grow.Legal Outsourcing usually comprises of paralegal and research support, contract drafting and revising, contract management, library services, patent, trademark ... Read more..
In Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc., being argued Tuesday, March 31, the Supreme Court will address how to analyze mixed-motive claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Nothing less than meaningful access for employment discrimination plaintiffs to relief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 (CRA of 1991) is at stake.
Background
To understand the importance of the Gross case to employment discrimination law, it is necessary to understand a fundamental distinction that has arisen in so-called individual disparate treatment cases, where a worker claims to have suffered an adverse employment action based on a protected characteristic under an employment discrimination statute. Initially, most of these cases were handled under the McDonnell Douglas pretext framework, which requires an employee to establish that the employer’s putative legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons for its employment actions are pretextual and the real reason for the action was unlawful discrimination.
In 1989, the Supreme Court developed another model for proving disparate treatment discrimination in Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins. There, a woman denied promotion to partner in an accounting firm was able to show ... Read more..
Dave J. Davies asked:
There are so many people today taking natural supplements. Supplements can do many different things. They can enhance performance of your body and mind, they can help you to become more energized and lose weight. Some can help protect you from disease, or help you fight a disease.
Of course, natural supplements are not a replacement for your prescribed medicines. However, many doctors are recommending more natural supplements in order to aid you in recovery, or to help get you back on track without a need for prescriptions. The benefits of taking something that is natural and that also works in helping your body can mean less time recuperating and getting your life back on track.
You might have noticed the large variety of products available at any given drug store, either one that you visit or those that are available online. If you are going to buy supplements, which way is better? You really should start your investigation online. Most supplement information can be found online with some research, and you can easily compare from home. Some ... Read more..
By: Gerri L. Elder
Sometimes during divorce, you may feel like you are divorcing your spouse’s family as well. This can be a difficult situation in close families, especially if your ex-spouse’s family has accepted you as a son or daughter.
If you are a parent, your child’s grandparents will still likely play an important role in their lives. Child custody and visitation agreements rarely address the child’s time with grandparents. In many states, grandparents may petition the court, if necessary, to establish visitation rights for grandparents.
Parents who share custody may work together to create a parenting plan that includes the child’s time with grandparents in the schedule. Even if you did not have a wonderful relationship with your in-laws, they will always be your child’s grandparents. In keeping the focus on the best interest of the child, parents should consider the continuing role of grandparents in the child’s life.
If your divorce was particularly bitter or if you never liked your in-laws in the first place, it can be a challenge to remain cordial and calm when it’s time for your child’s ... Read more..
