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JusticeTalking

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Language: English
Category: Variety / Public Radio
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award-winning radio that engages listeners in timely, refreshingly honest debates on the current legal battles that capture our nation's attention


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Justice Talking Through the Years

As this radio series comes to an end, we take a look at how the program began and some of the defining moments of the last 9 years from the debate between Howard Dean and Ralph Nader to getting stranded in New Mexico on 9/11. KEYWORDS: As this radio series comes to an end, we take a look at how the program began and some of the defining moments of the last 9 years from the debate between Howard Dean and Ralph Nader to getting stranded in New Mexico on 9/11....

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[ Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:56:03 -0400 ]



Trash Management and Recycling

With the nation's landfills reaching capacity, state and local governments are adopting new strategies to deal with solid and hazardous waste, from stepped-up recycling programs to exporting trash to foreign countries. Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we take a fresh look at trash management and recycling programs and ask whether governments are cleaning up the problem or if their efforts are just one big waste. KEYWORDS: trash, refuse, waste disposal, landfills, recycling, where do...

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[ Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:45:09 -0400 ]



Do Our Fighting Men and Women Have a Right to Free Speech?

When a soldier joins the armed forces, he or she agrees to abide by military law — these rules and regulations are meant to ensure good order and discipline in the military. But what about when it comes to free speech? By putting on a uniform, does a soldier surrender his or her First Amendment rights? More and more soldiers are posting their thoughts and feelings in online diaries or blogs, but military officials worry that sensitive information could make its way onto the Internet. Tune ...

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[ Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:54:22 -0400 ]



Freedom of Religion

The protection to practice any religion is written into the U.S. Constitution. Over the years there have been battles over how to interpret these protections or freedoms as well as concerns over the separation of Church and State. All of these issues come up in the major institutions of our society - schools, the military, prisons and politics. On this edition of Justice Talking, what does religious freedom mean in the 21st century? KEYWORDS: freedom of religion; religious freedom; church and ...

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[ Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:45:06 -0400 ]



Innovations in Policing

As murder rates increase in a number of large cities, police are implementing a host of new measures aimed at reducing crime: cameras in high-crime areas, automatic scanners that run ID checks on every automobile that passes by a police cruiser, stop-and-frisk policies and door-to-door "consent" searches for weapons. This edition of Justice Talking will ask whether the new technologies and methods are effective and fair. Do they unfairly discriminate against poor African-American families? Are t...

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[ Mon, 26 May 2008 20:44:43 -0400 ]



The US Economy

A major focus for voters in the race for president is concern over the economy. But what are the hidden costs behind headline issues like soaring food prices, free trade agreements, as well as the war in Iraq? On this edition of Justice Talking, we'll look at why food prices are going up and how some Americans are struggling to put food on the table; we'll talk about whether trade agreements are good or bad for America's workforce; and Linda Bilmes explains how she and a Nobel Prize-winning econ...

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[ Mon, 19 May 2008 18:42:08 -0400 ]



Neurolaw

Some lawyers are using brain scans showing defects to argue that their clients aren't responsible for criminal behavior. In recent years, this neuroscientific evidence has been increasingly used in our courtrooms. But some scientists argue that the imaging is still new and unreliable, while others question whether juries should be ruling on what counts as a "defective" brain. As neurolaw grows in influence, it could potentially revolutionize our notions of guilt and punishment as criminals say "...

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[ Mon, 12 May 2008 17:03:09 -0400 ]



The Right to a Jury Trial

The right to a trial by a jury is guaranteed to criminal defendants by the Sixth Amendment. The Seventh Amendment extends the right to a jury trial to federal civil cases such as car accidents, contract disputes between corporations, and most discrimination or employment disputes. But there are many questions about how the system works. Who shows up to serve? Is there racial or other bias in the selection process or in jury deliberations? Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we look...

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[ Mon, 05 May 2008 18:33:17 -0400 ]



The Rights of the Mentally Ill

State laws permit the involuntary commitment of people suffering from mental illness if they are a danger to themselves or others. But how do these commitment laws work in practice? Do laws aimed at protecting patients' rights prevent people from getting the help they need? Are they violating patients' civil liberties? The law and the mentally ill on Justice Talking. KEYWORDS: mental illness; mentally ill; State laws permit the involuntary commitment of those suffering mental illness if they are...

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[ Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:38:45 -0400 ]



Bail Bondsmen, Bounty Hunters and Private Prisons

America's free enterprise system is at work in many aspects of the criminal justice system. Profit-making bail bondsmen who help defendants post the money needed for their freedom pending trial are common in the U.S. but virtually unheard of across the rest of the world. Bounty hunters lured by big payouts find criminals who have previously eluded the police. And private companies are building and operating prisons and detention facilities. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking where we ...

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[ Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:36:30 -0400 ]



The Law and Infectious Disease

The way in which governments and intergovernmental organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations respond to the potential spread of infectious disease is being debated across the globe. Public health measures intended to prevent the spread of epidemics from HIV/Aids to Avian Flu, MRSA to Tuberculosis raise many legal questions about privacy and civil liberties. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking as we explore how health officials manage the spread of infecti...

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[ Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:21:38 -0400 ]



Regulation of the Entertainment Industry

The movie rating industry has initiated some reforms following charges by filmmakers that the system is arbitrary and unfair. But skeptics on both sides of the issue say troubling content in movies, television and music is not being handled appropriately. While some parent organizations say it's time for more regulation, filmmakers and others say the threat of censorship is all too real. On this edition of Justice Talking, join us for a look at regulating the entertainment industry. KEYWORDS: M...

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[ Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:14:58 EDT ]



College Admissions

The college admissions process has changed significantly in recent years, particularly for students seeking to get into the nation's most elite universities. Should these schools' admissions policies favor athletes and children of alumni? Should low-income and minority students be a priority? Or should top schools only enroll the smartest and most academically accomplished? We also talk about the obstacles and misconceptions facing students who attend community college. Tune in to this edition o...

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[ Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:19:36 EDT ]



Pornography and the First Amendment

The U.S. Supreme Court has struggled over the years to define where the First Amendment ends and obscenity begins. The pressure to answer that question is intensifying as pornography moves onto the Internet and as public concerns increase about child pornography. Several moves to regulate porn are testing the limits of the First Amendment. But the porn industry has some civil rights groups in its corner, arguing that there is a real risk the government will go too far. Join us on this edition of...

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[ Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:53:01 EDT ]



Is There a Right to Health Care?

With health care at the top of the domestic policy agenda and the presidential candidates stumping on the issue all across the nation, Justice Talking takes a look at how health care is being handled, from Massachusetts to California. Why has a program that was meant to provide medical care to people in Third-World countries found an increasing need to set up emergency clinics in the United States? We'll also ask whether health care should be seen as a right in this country. KEYWORDS: health car...

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[ Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:19:25 EDT ]



Election Laws

In every election year, questions arise about the fairness of the voting process. This edition of Justice Talking will take a detailed look at some of the key issues: from the debate over requiring ID to cast a ballot to the controversy over electronic voting machines. Do these measures improve our election process or just make it more difficult for voters on Election Day? Election reform, this week on Justice Talking. KEYWORDS: elections, electoral votes, voting, voting machines, electronic vot...

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[ Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:16:43 EDT ]



The Tension Between Security and Liberty in the War on Terror

More than a dozen states are at loggerheads with the federal government over the warrantless wiretapping program. Strong divisions are formed over the question of offering immunity to the telecommunications industry for its role in the surveillance program. The nation is also immersed in a debate over the definition and use of torture. This edition of Justice Talking explores the struggle to maintain security while preserving liberties. KEYWORDS: FISA; wiretapping; first amendment; fourth amendm...

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[ Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:11:59 EST ]



Marijuana Laws

Several years ago Chicago Mayor Richard Daley made headlines as he pushed to ease the penalties for use of small amounts of marijuana. He advocated fining offenders $250 to $1,000 rather than imposing jail terms. Although it remains a federal crime to use the drug, several states have decriminalized possession in small amounts and more and more states are passing laws legalizing its use for medical purposes. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we discuss marijuana laws in the United S...

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[ Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:45:25 EST ]



Innovations in Policing

As murder rates increase in a number of large cities, police are implementing a host of new measures aimed at reducing crime: cameras in high-crime areas, automatic scanners that run ID checks on every automobile that passes by a police cruiser, stop-and-frisk policies and door-to-door "consent" searches for weapons. This edition of Justice Talking will ask whether the new technologies and methods are effective and fair. Do they unfairly discriminate against poor African-American families? Are t...

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[ Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:50:52 EST ]



Are Current Water Policies Leaving Us High and Dry?

An unprecedented drought throughout the nation's Southeast has forced some of the region's largest cities to declare water emergencies. Western states have been dealing with similar water shortages for a much longer time. But what can policy-makers do when increasing populations, development and global warming place undue strains on an area's water supply, especially when current law is antiquated, complicated and varies from state to state? Tune in to this week's Justice Talking for a look at w...

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[ Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:06:59 EST ]



Employment Discrimination Post-Ledbetter

Last term, in , the U.S. Supreme Court decided that women who sue for pay discrimination must file a claim against their employers within 180 days of the first time the pay disparity occurs, even if the discriminatory treatment continues for years thereafter. Employment rights advocates fear that this procedural hurdle may make it nearly impossible for victims of discrimination to seek redress. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we look at sex discrimination in the workplace. We'll a...

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[ Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:40:33 EST ]



Immigration and Policy

The issue of immigration has been a flashpoint in the Presidential debates. Border fences, identification for illegal immigrants, and other reforms have all been debated. And Mitt Romney has been in the hot seat because some say he didn't act fast enough when he found out illegal persons were cutting his grass. All of these issues raise important questions about U.S. immigration policies, particularly the current crack-down on hiring illegal workers. What happens to workers caught working withou...

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[ Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:18:23 EST ]



The FCC's New Rules for Media Ownership

In mid-December, the Federal Communications Commission approved new rules that affect ownership of the nation's media companies. One rule change gave newspaper owners more leeway to buy radio and television stations in their markets. On this edition of Justice Talking, we'll explore the effect of this new rule and ask whom it will benefit, if it's fair and if it will survive a challenge in the courts. We'll also look at other ways in which FCC rules affect everything from what we see and hear to...

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[ Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:44:57 EST ]



Neurolaw

Some lawyers are using brain scans showing defects to argue that their clients aren't responsible for criminal behavior. In recent years, this neuroscientific evidence has been increasingly used in our courtrooms. But some scientists argue that the imaging is still new and unreliable, while others question whether juries should be ruling on what counts as a "defective" brain. As neurolaw grows in influence, it could potentially revolutionize our notions of guilt and punishment as criminals say "...

MORE... | LISTEN | DOWNLOAD | MOBILE DEVICE

[ Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:51:20 EST ]



The Rights of the Mentally Ill

State laws permit the involuntary commitment of people suffering from mental illness if they are a danger to themselves or others. But how do these commitment laws work in practice? Do laws aimed at protecting patients' rights prevent people from getting the help they need? Are they violating their civil liberties? The law and the mentally ill, this week on Justice Talking. KEYWORDS: mental illness; mentally ill; State laws permit the involuntary commitment of those suffering mental illness if t...

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[ Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:59:34 EST ]



Abstinence-Only Education

Federal and state funding programs provide local groups with millions of dollars for "abstinence-only-until-marriage" education programs that are hailed by some as the best way to keep teenagers from having sex and to stop teen pregnancy. But increasingly, state administrators are balking at accepting these dollars, concerned that this is a one-sided approach to sexuality education that fails to give teens medically appropriate information about birth control, prevention of STDs and the option o...

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[ Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:55:14 EST ]



Juvenile Justice

In 1967, 15-year-old Gerald Gault was sentenced to six years in prison for making a lewd phone call, without written notice of the charges, witnesses, or an attorney. In its landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that juveniles accused of crimes have the right to due process protections under the 14th Amendment, including the right to an attorney. But today in some parts of the country a disturbing number of juveniles waive their right to an attorney, leading some to argue that the just...

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[ Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:57:57 EST ]



Pornography and the First Amendment

The U.S. Supreme Court has struggled over the years to define where the First Amendment ends and obscenity begins. The pressure to answer that question is intensifying as pornography moves onto the Internet and as public concerns increase about child pornography. Several moves to regulate porn are testing the limits of the First Amendment. But the porn industry has some civil rights groups in its corner, arguing that there is a real risk the government will go too far. Join us on this edition of...

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[ Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:07:08 EST ]



Race and the Justice System

Several high-profile court cases around the country are raising racial tensions. Some human rights organizations say the example of the Jena 6, the story of Martin Lee Anderson and other cases show how a range of policies are working together to unfairly channel black men and boys into the criminal justice system at younger ages and for minor offenses. But some say there's a lot of gray in between the black and white of race and justice in America. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as ...

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[ Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:51:24 EST ]



Political Speech in the Race for President

The presidential election is less than a year away and a Supreme Court ruling could change the kinds of advertisements we see and hear in the days running up to an election. Also, some are questioning whether reporters need a law to protect them from being forced to reveal their sources. On this edition of Justice Talking: how the First Amendment affects political campaigns, blogs, corporations and journalists. Parts of this program were taped in front of an audience at the annual convention of ...

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[ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:04:39 EST ]



The Cuban Embargo

With 81-year-old Fidel Castro temporarily turning over power to his brother Ra?l, many countries around the world are reevaluating their policies toward Cuba. The United Nations General Assembly voted for the 16th year in a row to end the embargo, but President Bush is not budging. Would engagement reward what President Bush has called a "cruel dictatorship" without any tangible proof that changes are likely to occur? Or is now is the time to lift the trade embargo and throw a lifeline to the pe...

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[ Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:05:52 EST ]



College Admissions

The college admissions process has changed significantly in recent years, particularly for students seeking to get into the nation's most elite universities. Should these schools' admissions policies favor athletes and children of alumni? Should low-income and minority students be a priority? Or should top schools only enroll the smartest and most academically accomplished? We also talk about the obstacles and misconceptions facing students who attend community college. Tune in to this edition o...

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[ Tue, 20 Nov 2007 04:19:24 EST ]



Fixing the Mortgage Mess

Many Americans' dream of homeownership has been lost as the subprime mortgage crisis has forced them to face foreclosure. Others ready to buy or refinance a home are finding fewer financing options as lenders are shutting their doors or laying off thousands of employees. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking as we look at the current mortgage mess and ask how business and government should respond. KEYWORDS: mortgage; sub-prime; citi-bank; merril; foreclosure; bankruptcy; housing bubble; mo...

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[ Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:51:37 EST ]



Drinking and Driving

At the urging of victims' rights groups, state legislatures have enacted laws that impose new consequences for those convicted of drunk driving, from increased jail time to special markers on license plates or publication of convictions on the Web. Other states are considering laws that would require all first-time offenders to install breathalyzers in their cars. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking as we look at drunk-driving laws. Do these measures reduce accidents and save lives or do ...

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[ Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:28:00 EST ]



The Women's Equality Amendment

"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." This simple addition to the Constitution -- then known as the Equal Rights Amendment -- was never adopted despite passage by Congress in 1971 and ratification by 35 state legislatures--three short of the 38 necessary for its adoption. Each term since the ERA's defeat, members of Congress have reintroduced the measure, this year renamed the Women's Equality Amendment. Tune in...

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[ Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:52:30 EDT ]



Employment Discrimination

This past spring, in , the U.S. Supreme Court decided that women who sue for pay discrimination must file a claim against their employers within 180 days of the first time the pay disparity occurs, even if the discriminatory treatment continues for years thereafter. Employment rights advocates fear that this procedural hurdle may make it nearly impossible for victims of discrimination to seek redress. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we look at sex discrimination in the workplace. ...

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[ Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:54:14 EDT ]



On the Docket

The Supreme Court opened its doors for new cases on October 1st. The Justices will tackle voter identification, lethal injection, sentencing laws and age discrimination. And the debate over the rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay returns to the high court. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we take a look at the coming term--the cases on the docket, the climate in the courtroom, and what it will all mean for you. KEYWORDS: U.S. Supreme Court; SCOTUS; docket;...

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[ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:29:06 EDT ]



The Future of the Postal Service

In business since 1775 by decree of the Second Continental Congress, the U.S. Postal Service is one of the most trusted branches of the federal government. It delivers more than 700 million pieces of mail each day and delivers to almost two million new addresses each year. But first class mail is down and email is up. Will the postal service be able to sustain its mission of universal service in the 21st century? On this edition of Justice Talking we take a look at the future of the postal servi...

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[ Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:14:06 EDT ]



Marijuana Laws

Several years ago Chicago Mayor Richard Daley made headlines as he pushed to ease the penalties for use of small amounts of marijuana. He advocated fining offenders $250 to $1,000 rather than imposing jail terms. Although it remains a federal crime to use the drug, several states have decriminalized possession in small amounts and more and more states are passing laws legalizing its use for medical purposes. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we discuss marijuana laws in the United S...

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[ Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:37:06 EDT ]



Do Our Fighting Men and Women Have a Right to Free Speech?

When a solider joins the armed forces, he or she agrees to abide by military law -- these rules and regulations are meant to ensure good order and discipline in the military. But what about when it comes to free speech? By putting on a uniform, does a soldier surrender his or her First Amendment rights? Today more and more soldiers are posting their thoughts and feelings in online diaries or blogs, but military officials are beginning to worry that sensitive information could make its way onto t...

MORE... | LISTEN | DOWNLOAD | MOBILE DEVICE

[ Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:52:23 EDT ]



Revisiting New Orleans

Two years after the largest natural disaster in U.S. history, New Orleans has been forced to redevelop neighborhoods, schools and most of its urban infrastructure. But what has happened to the city's criminal justice system? Join us on this edition of Justice Talking for a detailed look at how Hurricane Katrina has affected police practices, the state and federal court systems, jails and alternative sentencing plans, and what the changes mean for citizens of and visitors to this famous city. KEY...

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[ Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:48:23 EDT ]



The Death Penalty

First used in Texas in 1982, lethal injection is the method of execution now authorized in 37 of the 38 states that have the death penalty. But the recent botched execution of Angel Nieves Diaz in Florida raises new questions of whether the method violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we take a new look at capital punishment and ask age-old questions about whether the death penalty is appropriate retributio...

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[ Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:25:22 EDT ]



Have Health Officials Become the Diet Police?

Health officials recently voted to make the Big Apple the nation's first city to ban artery-clogging trans fats at restaurants and many other cities are considering similar measures. At the same time, officials are banning soda and snack machines in schools and forcing restaurants to list the calorie content of each item on their menus. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking as we discuss whether these measures are effective ways to overcome the epidemic of obesity or proof that Big Brother ...

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[ Tue, 04 Sep 2007 01:43:29 EDT ]



School Violence

In 2006, the shooting at Virginia Tech put the spotlight on violence at colleges and universities, and a shooting in an Amish community near Lancaster, Pa., pointed out that school violence can occur anywhere in the nation, from inner city high schools to suburban or rural elementary schools. But will lockdowns, random searches and metal detectors make students safer? And do programs to reduce bullying really work? Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we take a look at the ways policyma...

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[ Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:54:44 EDT ]



Rights of the Mentally Ill

State laws permit the involuntary commitment of people suffering mental illness if they are a danger to themselves or others. But how do these commitment laws work in practice? Do laws aimed at protecting patients' rights prevent those people from getting the help they need? Are they violating their civil liberties? The law and the mentally ill, this week on Justice Talking. KEYWORDS: mental illness; mentally ill; State laws permit the involuntary commitment of those suffering mental illness if ...

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[ Mon, 20 Aug 2007 22:07:49 EDT ]



The Cuban Embargo

With 80-year-old Fidel Castro temporarily turning over power to his brother Raul, many countries around the world--including the U.S.--are reevaluating their policies toward Cuba. Is now the time to lift the trade embargo and throw a lifeline to the people of Cuba who are suffering economically? Or will engagement reward what President Bush has called a "cruel dictatorship" without any tangible proof that changes are likely to occur? Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we take a new l...

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[ Mon, 13 Aug 2007 18:13:20 EDT ]



Can We End Homelessness in 10 Years?

President Bush has made a commitment to end chronic homelessness in 10 years. Many cities around the country have also taken on this goal. But is it really possible? And what's the best way to do it? This week on Justice Talking, we'll look at who the homeless are in America. We'll talk about the effects of homelessness on children, the challenges of providing health care to the homeless and the merits of a program called Housing First, which puts chronically homeless people into apartments. KEY...

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[ Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:24:15 EDT ]



Food Safety

Recent headlines over tainted California spinach and e-coli contamination at Taco Bell restaurants have raised many questions about the safety of America's food supply. With an alphabet soup of federal, state and local agencies regulating food safety from the farm to the table, most Americans presume that their food isn't dangerous. Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we ask what must be done to keep the food supply safe. KEYWORDS: genetically modified foods; gm; contamination; tainte...

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[ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 02:04:42 EDT ]



Highlights of the Supreme Court Term

In its first full term, the Roberts Court issued a number of blockbuster decisions on race and public schools, free speech, and abortion. In this special edition of Justice Talking, taped before a studio audience at the National Constitution Center, Supreme Court reporter for ABC News Jan Crawford Greenburg, Notre Dame's Richard Garnett and University of Chicago's Geoffrey Stone analyze the significant decisions of this term and tell us how the addition of two conservative Justices has affected ...

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[ Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:44 EDT ]



Abstinence-Only Education

Federal and state funding programs provide local groups with millions of dollars for "abstinence-only-until-marriage" education programs that are hailed by some as the best way to keep teenagers from having sex and to stop teen pregnancy. But increasingly, state administrators are balking at accepting these dollars, concerned that this is a one-sided approach to sexuality education that fails to give teens medically appropriate information about birth control, prevention of STDs and the option o...

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[ Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:04:51 EDT ]



The HPV Vaccine

Nearly half of the states are now considering laws that would require girls entering sixth grade to be vaccinated against the cervical cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV). The move raises important questions about the best way to encourage the use of a vaccine that has the potential of reducing cervical cancer. Will immunizing girls lead to more premarital sex as some parents and conservative groups fear? Should the vaccine's manufacturer who has a financial stake in widespread use of the ...

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[ Mon, 02 Jul 2007 18:12:24 EDT ]



International Adoptions

Madonna's adoption of a child from Malawi and the controversy it generated grabbed headlines. But what about the average person? For them it's becoming more difficult to adopt children from China, Russia and Guatemala. By 2008, the U.S. will join the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, an international treaty that will govern the adoption process across national boundaries. Join us on this edition of Justice Talking as we look at international adoptions: how this new treaty will affect ad...

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[ Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:27:28 EDT ]



The Right to Bear Arms

A recent federal appeals court ruling that invalidated a Washington, D.C. ban on gun ownership raises important issues over the meaning of the Second Amendment. Throughout history, legal theorists have split on whether the Second Amendment protects the rights of individuals to own guns or only the right to establish armed militias. But now some liberals are unexpectedly supporting the view that individuals have a constitutional right to own and use guns, and that gun control laws may be unconsti...

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[ Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:02:47 EDT ]



The Women's Equality Amendment

"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." This simple addition to the Constitution then known as the Equal Rights Amendment was never adopted despite passage by Congress in 1971 and ratification by 35 state legislatures--three short of the 38 necessary for its adoption. Each term since the ERA's defeat, members of Congress have reintroduced the measure, this year renamed the Women's Equality Amendment. Tune in to th...

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[ Mon, 28 May 2007 20:40:40 EDT ]



Is Crystal Meth the New Crack?

Crystal methamphetamine has been getting a lot of media and political attention in the last few years. In March 2006 President Bush signed the Combat Meth Act, which requires cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine be put behind the pharmacy counter because they can be turned into meth. States are using creative tools like building meth prisons. Others are waging shock-and-awe prevention campaigns. But is meth a national epidemic or a regional problem? Join us on this edition of Justice Talkin...

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[ Mon, 04 Jun 2007 22:54:59 EDT ]



Drinking and Driving

At the urging of victims' rights groups, state legislatures have enacted laws that impose new consequences for those convicted of drunk driving, from increased jail time to special markers on license plates or publication of convictions on the Web. Other states are considering laws that would require all first-time offenders to install breathalyzers in their cars. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking as we look at drunk-driving laws. Do these measures reduce accidents and save lives or do ...

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[ Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:38:59 EDT ]



Presidential Primaries

Iowa and New Hampshire are losing their lock on being the first states in the nation to decide the major party candidates for president. California, Oregon and Montana have moved their primaries to February 5th and other states are hoping to either join these states on that date or weigh in with their votes earlier in the process. What effect will early primaries have on the 2008 presidential race? Will well-funded candidates who can afford to campaign on television in many states at one time ha...

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[ Tue, 15 May 2007 02:31:05 EDT ]



No Child Left Behind

Congressional reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind law in 2007 raises a number of questions about whether this controversial federal law has improved education or unfairly tagged poor urban schools as failures. Does vigorous testing make teachers more accountable and ensure adoption of good curricula or has "teaching to the test" replaced reliable programs that encourage critical thinking? Has limited funding for education coupled with new requirements only exacerbated the difficulties te...

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[ Mon, 07 May 2007 23:59:22 EDT ]



Does Free Speech Stop at the Schoolhouse Door?

Should a high school student have a right to hang a banner saying "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" without fear of disciplinary action? That's the question in Morse v. Frederick, a case argued recently in the Supreme Court that addresses whether school administrators can limit what is said both in school buildings and outside at school-sponsored events. And should the rules change if school authorities are trying to preserve order or ensure a singular message on the use of drugs? From school dress codes to ...

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[ Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:04:55 EDT ]



Can We End Homelessness in Ten Years?

President Bush has made a commitment to end chronic homelessness in ten years. Many cities around the country have also taken on this goal. But is it really possible? And what's the best way to do it? This week on Justice Talking, we'll look at who the homeless are in America. We'll talk about the effects of homelessness on children, the challenges of providing health care to the homeless and the merits of a program called Housing First, which puts chronically homeless people into apartments. KE...

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[ Mon, 23 Apr 2007 18:10:20 EDT ]



Going Into Debt

Skyrocketing medical bills, housing prices and college tuition, along with stagnant incomes, are causing more Americans to go into debt. And they are staying in debt longer. On this edition of Justice Talking, we'll look at how credit cards became big business, the legality of lending practices, and restrictions on student loans. We'll also examine the increasing popularity of payday loans and get some tips about how to get out of debt. KEYWORDS: debt, credit, lending, predatory lending, high-i...

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[ Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:17:33 EDT ]



Should Dying Patients Have A Right To Use Experimental Drugs?

Should patients who are seriously ill or dying have the legal right to try drugs that haven't yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration? Last December the FDA proposed new guidelines that would allow access to experimental treatments on a case-by-case basis. But some health care professionals fear that access to drugs that are not yet proven safe is dangerous, unethical and disastrous for the drug approval process. Tune in to this edition of Justice Talking as we ask who should ...

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[ Tue, 17 Apr 2007 03:28:34 EDT ]



Tax Reform

According to the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform, Americans spent billions of dollars on tax preparation and 3.5 billion hours doing their taxes last year. It's a system so confusing that some estimate two million taxpayers paid more than they owed. Others say many provisions exist only to reward particular industries or special interest groups. It's tax season once again so join us on Justice Talking as we take a look at U.S. tax policy and ask whether Congress ought to adopt a...

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[ Mon, 02 Apr 2007 23:18:06 EDT ]



Excessive Force

In February, the U.S. Supreme Court considered whether the Constitution permits police to use deadly force to stop a fleeing motorist for speeding and reckless driving. Although the case centers on high speed chases, the case raises larger issues about when police can and should use deadly force and whether racial discrimination taints police judgments. Join us for this edition of Justice Talking as we look at police policies and practice. KEYWORDS: deadly forece; excessive force; police brutal...

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