Adoption and Race

Historically, transracial adoption began to be practiced after the Second World War. Children from war-torn countries – Korea, Vietnam, and even Europe — without families were adopted by families in the United States with Caucasian paThrough the years, as more racial ethnic minority children within the United States were without families, domestic adoption agencies began to place African American, Native American, and Hispanic children with Caucasian families who wanted children.However, in 1972 the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) became concerned about the large numbers of African American children who were being placed with Caucasian families. They condemned the practice of transracial adoption of African American children to Caucasian parents.They cited psychological maladjustment, inferior racial identity, the failure to cope with racism and discrimination, and â€Å"cultural genocide† as the likely outcomes of transracial adoptive placem ents.As an offshoot of this, legislation was introduced in the form of the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) of 1994. MEPA, together with the Interethnic Adoption Provisions (IEP), has been signed into law to reduce the practice of race-matching in adoptive placements for children.These two pieces of legislation, commonly referred to as MEPA-IEP, were designed to decrease the amount of time children wait for adoptive placement, to improve and assist in the recruitment and retention of prospective foster and adoptive parents who are able to meet the distinctive needs of the children to be placed, and to eliminate discrimination in the practice of adoptive and foster care placements on the basis of race, color, or national origin.However, the passage of MEPA-IEP has not resolved the controversy over racial matching policies and transracial adoptions. Controversies still hound transracial adoption. Although the law prohibits categorical assumptions about the benefit of same-race placeme nts, child welfare workers still will have to make decisions about the importance of race in the life of an individual child.They are also tasked to identify reasons that may eventually require for the consideration of race. Those who believe that same-race placements are preferable may feel aggrieved that federal policy now contradicts their conviction and routinely calls for them to place children without giving weight to the child’s race.On the other hand, those who place little value on racial matching may have trouble identifying children whohave a specific need for a same-race placement.It is within this light that this study will take shape.   As issues continue to be raised regarding transracial adoption, it is only fitting to go beyond statistics and find out the feelings of those who are personally involved in the process. As this study will attempt to unravel the issues closest to the hearts of those involved, the approach that will be used will be generally qual itative.Statement of the ProblemWhat is the percentage of interracial adoption, and what are the controversies surrounding racial matching and transracial adoption?Objectives1) To define racial matching and transracial adoption;2) To find out the percentage of transracial adoption in America;3) To find out the various issues related to racial matching and transracial adoption;4) To find out the various legislations designed to address racial matching and transracial adoption.MethodologyThis study will use interview – which entails purposive sampling — as a method for gathering data. The interviews will be conducted with the aid of an interview guide which is an informally prepared unstructured questionnaire. Data will also be collected through numerous secondary sources.Materials and documents such as discourses in books, official publications, position papers, letters, newspapers and magazine clippings will also be utilized. The official websites of various organizati ons will also be used as necessary. Implications of the study will be derived from the analysis of the gathered data and issues raised in the interviews and the various secondary sources.Review of Related LiteraturePracticing social workers, leaders of minority group communities, and scholars have expressed concerns on the effects of transracial adoption (Hayes, 1993). In a study conducted by Kim (1995) on international adoption, he noted that â€Å"transracial adoption of black children stirred up many controversies regarding their psychological development, especially with respect to their ethnic identity, or cultural well-being† (p.141-142).In order to determine the effects of transracial adoption on adoptees, several studies were also conducted on the racial identity of transracial adoptees (Bagley, 1993).These studies conceptualized racial identity in terms of racial group preferences, objective racial self-identification, and knowledge or awareness of one’s racia l group membership. Andujo (1988) also studied racial identity by measuring levels of acculturation, and by assessing the degree of pride in one’s ethnic heritage and appearance.Johnson et al. (1987) found that transracially adopted Black children had greater awareness of their race at an earlier age than did intraracially adopted Black children. As they grow older, however, both groups of adopted children expressed analogous levels of awareness and preference.The findings of the study also indicated that transracially adopted children’s awareness and preference stayed constant over time, while that of intraracially adopted Black children’s both increased more swiftly to exceed that of transracially adopted children.In the end, the study concluded that transracially adopted children were developing differently from intraracially adopted children. This developmental difference could be the springboard of the problems in the transracial adoptees’ racial ide ntity.Shireman and Johnson (1986) likewise reported on the psychological adjustment, racial identity, and sexual identity of transracial adoptees as compared to intraracial adoptees and adoptees of single parents.All of the adoptees in the study were Black children and all of the parents were also Black except for the parents in the transracial placements all of whom were White. Parents and adoptees were interviewed separately. The findings of the study suggested that there were no differences in psychological adjustment among the three groups of adoptees as determined by objective ratings of the interviews.In the end, the controversies hounding transracial adoption, no matter how limited they are, still largely affect those who are involved in the process. Only when these issues are addressed and resolved can the matters be put to rest.BibliographyAndujo, E. (1988). Ethnic identity of transethnically adopted Hispanic adolescents. Social Work, 33, 531-535.Bagley, C. (1993a). Chinese adoptees in Britain: A twenty-year follow-up of adjustment and social identity. International Social Work, 36, 143-157.Hayes, P. (1993). Transracial adoption: Politics and ideology. Child Welfare, 72, 301-310.Johnson, P. R., Shireman, J. F., & Watson, K. W. (1987). Transracial adoption and the development of black identity at age eight. Child Welfare, 66, 45-55.Kim, W. J. (1995). International adoption: A case review of Korean children. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 25, 141-154.National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (2000, August). Adoption: Numbers and trends. Available: http://www.calib.com/naic/pubs/s_number.htmProject 21. (1995, March). African-American leadership group condemns racist adoption practices. (On-line). Available: http://www.nationalcenter.inter.net/TransRacialAdopt.htmlShireman, J. F., & Johnson, P. R. (1986). A longitudinal study of Black adoptions: Single parent, transracial, and traditional. Social Work, 31, 172-176.http://www.transracialadoption .net/inform.htm#Psychological%20adjustment,%20self-esteem,%20and%20racial%20identity

Supply and Demand and Price Elasticity

Apple I-PHONES – Elasticity of supply and demand ABSTRACT I-PHONE' ELASTICITY OF DEMAND What determines price elasticity of Iphones demand? Demand for Iphones – It seems like Iphone sales are above expectation and Apple can't meet current demand. People all over the world are enthralled and want to hold one of the advanced and sexiest products in the market. The degree of necessity or whether the good is a luxury – goods deemed by consumers to be necessities tend to have an inelastic demand whereas luxuries will tend to have a more elastic demand because consumers can make do without luxuries when their budgets are stretched. It's likely to assume that Iphone considered as a luxury and in an economic recession customers can cut their spending on Iphones. The cost of switching between different phones – there may be difficulties involved in switching between different phones. In this case, using Iphone, with its unique applications and software might involve with issues of transferring data from one phone to another. This also imply when moving from using another phone to Iphone. I consider this part for some extent as an insignificant. Summarizing, Iphone is a very unique product, differentiated but have some competitors. Price elasticity of demand is definitely not inelastic but not perfectly elastic. If prices go up significantly, there's no doubt that quantity demanded declines. I-PHONE' ELASTICITY OF SUPPLY Price elasticity also affects supply. Products with an inelastic supply usually have a long lead time, with little power over the quantity produced. Hotel rooms are one example, because if there's a price change, hotel owners can't decide halfway through the growing season to provide more or less of rooms. On the other hand, products with a high elasticity of supply tend to come from industries that can change their production levels more quickly – for example, milk and dairy products. If we examine Iphone elasticity of supply we should consider Apple manufactures for being able to adapt to high demand. From past publications, we could learn that Apple had some issues with facing demand, and that it couldn't meet demand. From my perspective Apple incorrectly predicated its sales, and that was the basis for the shortage. Iphone supply should be more elastic than inelastic at the end of the day.

Sports Development Continuum

P1 describe three examples of the sports development continuum, from three different sports M1 compare and contrast three examples of the sports development continuum, from three different sports, identifying strengths and areas for improvement Sports Development Continuum Foundation: means the early development of sporting competence and physical skills (e. g. throwing, catching, and hand-eye co-ordination) upon which all later forms of sports development are based.Without a sound foundation, young people are unlikely to become long-term sports participants. Participation: refers to sport undertaken primarily for fun, enjoyment and often, at basic levels of competence. However, many very competent sports people take part in sport purely for reasons of fun and health & fitness. Performance: signifies a move from basic competence into a more structured form of competitive sport at club or county level, or indeed at an individual level for personal reasons.Excellence: is about reaching the top and applies to performers at the highest national and international levels The Golf Foundation reports that its adapted and competitive golf offering for schools is proving a big hit with teachers and pupils. The Foundation’s ‘HSBC Golf Roots’ programme in schools is gathering significant momentum in 2013, as 39 out of 46 County Local Organising Committees have selected an HSBC Golf Roots competition for the current academic year as part of England’s School Games curriculum.This high proportion is second only to athletics, and ahead of traditional school sports such as football, cricket and netball. Participation: refers to sport undertaken primarily for fun, enjoyment and often, at basic levels of competence. However, many very competent sports people take part in sport purely for reasons of fun and health & fitness. An example for participation would be SNAG golf. Performance: signifies a move from basic competence into a more structured form of competitive sport at club or county level, or indeed at an individual level for personal reasons.Elite: is about reaching the top and applies to performers at the highest national and international levels. Football Development Centre’s These centres can be found in 70 colleges across the country for players who are above average to compete with players of a similar ability. Here they work in an environment with people who can develop their progression to achieve their highest level of performance. Once players have reached a certain level according to the coaches they can be recommended to a school of excellence or academy. Players can attend these centres by invitation only.They would have normally taken part in a Local Football Development Scheme activity in the past. Liverpool Football Club have a talent development scheme starting from their under 10’s going up to under 19’s. †¢UNDER 10-â€Å"age of fun†. †¢UNDER 12-â€Å"age of techniqueà ¢â‚¬ . †¢UNDER 14-â€Å"age of understanding†. †¢UNDER 16-â€Å"age of competitive match play†. †¢UNDER 19-â€Å"age of professional preparation†. This is similar to the Long-term athlete development models devised by Istvan Balyi in 1990 following his work with the Canadian Alpine Ski team in the 1980’s.This was designed to help prepare players to reach the highest levels. It takes about 10 years of training to develop an elite athlete however they don’t need to train for 10 years in one sport. The LTAD state that playing more than one sport over the 10 years is part of the programme. This programme has 6 phases to it. It also helps prepare people for retirement to the sport. These 6 phases are then split into 3 areas: †¢Objective: what the athlete should be able to do at the end of the phase †¢Content: the activities contained within the phase Frequency: how often the athlete should train during the phase. Phase one- FUN damentals Objective: to learn fundamental movement skills. Content: overall development, focusing on ABCS (agility, balance, coordination, speed) to underpin the generic skills used in many sports (running, jumping and throwing). Frequency: perform physical activity five to six times per week. Phase two- Learning to Train Objective: to learn fundamental sports skills Content: Concentration on the range of FUNdamental sports skills, such as throwing, catching, jumping and running †¢Introduction to readiness – being mentally and physically prepared †¢Basic FUNdamentals tactics, e. g. if fielding, net/wall, invasion games can be introduced. (In net/wall games, players achieve this by sending a ball towards a court or target area which their opponent is defending. The aim is to get the ball to land in the target area and make it difficult for the opponent to return it) †¢Cognitive and emotional development are central †¢Skills are practised in challenging form atsFrequency: if there is a favoured sport it is suggested 50% of the time is allocated to other sport/activities that develop a range of skills. Phase three – Training to Train Objective: to build fitness and specific sport skills †¢Fitness training †¢Detailed mental preparation †¢A focus on sport-specific skill development, including perceptual skills (reading the game/tactical understanding †¢Decision making †¢Detailed and extensive evaluation Frequency: for the aspiring performer, sport-specific practice will now be 6-9 times a week Phase 4 – Training to CompeteObjective: to refine skills for a specific event or position Content: †¢Event and position-specific training †¢Physical conditioning †¢Technical and tactical preparation †¢Advanced mental practice †¢All of the above come together and are developed under competition conditions Frequency: training can be up to 12 times a week Phase 5 – Training to Win Ob jective: to maximise performance in competition Content: †¢Development and refinement of all the skills learnt already but with more use in competition modelling.More attention paid to rest periods and the prevention of injury due to heavier load. Frequency: training can be up to 15 times a week (some sports may stop at this phase as this is the highest competitive level) Phase 6 – Retainment For athletes/players retiring from competitive sport, many sports are developing Master’s programmes. An additional phase, â€Å"retainment†, keeps players/athletes involved in physical activity. Experience gained as a competitor can be invaluable, should they move into administration, coaching or officiating.

Paraphrasing#2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Paraphrasing#2 - Essay Example The readings are then to be taken using a multi-meter. Resistors in circuit one had all currents through the same because they were connected in series. In a series connection, voltage is divided among all the components. Resistors in circuit two had equal voltage through them because they were in a parallel connection. This is because current flowing through them is the same. In circuit three, R2 and R3 were in parallel hence equal voltage through them. The last circuit four had had R1 and R5 resistors in a series arrangement hence equal current through them. From the experiment’s results, the function generator produced square waves. It displayed in the form of waves as seen in the oscilloscope. The wave measured 3Vpp and 1.0 KHz and had the shape of a saw tooth. The experiment’s aim was to make a voltage divider in the multisim. The voltage divider was to equally divide circuit one into two parts. Circuits two and three were to be divided into three and four parts respectively. In the first circuit, currents I1 and I2 were equal. Vi1 and V2 were also equal since the connection was series. In circuit two, the voltage divider we designed divided the voltage of 12v three times and verified that by measuring with a multi-meter. In circuit three, we again verified that the voltage divider had divided the 12v. In circuit one, we determined the voltages Va, Vb, Vc Vac, and Vbc using readings from the multi-meter. The current I2 and source current Is3 were also determined. In circuit two, current through the 10ÃŽ © resistor was also determined. In the last circuit three, a nodal analysis was applied in the circuit. The objective was to examine the prototype board and use the multi-meters provided to measure the resistance, current, and DC current through the circuit. Using the oscilloscope, we were also to measure Ac voltage. Finally, we have to create voltage from the generator provided. Based on the experiment’s objectives, we

SA4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SA4 - Essay Example ors’, Empires of images† and the â€Å"veil† by different offer critical arguments about the significance of the physical appearance in the society. From the article â€Å"Empires of Images†, the author exposes the evident obsession of women appearing more physically appealing (Bordo 2). The urge to conceal the adverse effects of age, women have relied on different products and surgical operations aimed at modifying the looks of an individual. The people choosing this path are only acting in response to root social problem that involves the criticality of physical appearance as a criterion to judge people. It introduces a competitive notion of being flawless and seeking the impossible perfection. This frenzy only occurs because the globe places extreme importance on physical appearance. In this text, only a single example of a celebrity judged according to her personality and competence, while the numerous other examples involve people judged according to their physical appearance, and hence their undying desire to attain a measure of perfection (Bordo 5). Notably, the text by Grealy titled the â€Å"Mirrors† also brings out a similar perspective, according to the experience of the author (Grealy 34). The author accepted multiple surgical operations after the adverse effects presented on the face during the removal of a cancerous tumor. The procedure served to alter the appearance of the author, deforming the face and leaving her physically unattractive. In such a state, the author faced multiple challenges because of the social stigma extended to her because of her physical appearance. It was unfortunate that the society was blind to the inside beauty that an individual had, a factor that compelled the author to accept the multiple numbers of operations in a bid to alter the face and make it more appealing (Grealy 36). In different residential areas, the author struggled with the evident rejection and isolation because of the physical appearance until she could

Discussion on Loblaw and Wal-Mart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Discussion on Loblaw and Wal-Mart - Essay Example To fit in market competition the Wal-Mart decided to reduce the cost of their product. This turned to great threat to the Loblaw Company (Financial post 2006). In 2006, the Loblaw Company lost completely its market to Wal-Mart stores. During this year the Loblaw reported a loss of 219 Canadian dollars due to increased competition (Ian 2007, P. 1). To counter the competition raised by Wal- Mart the company introduced new products in the market. After that Loblaw utilized the strategy of constructing large superstores in its effort to pre-empt Wal-Mart in the market. For instance, Loblaw Company limited has more than one thousand and fifty stores located in various locations in Canada such as Fortino, Loblaw and Zehrs (Marina 2010). In 2002, it constructed a large superstore with the label Real Canadian Superstore (RCSS) acting as the company’s competitive strategy. In addition to that, in 2004 the company constructed 13 stores and similarly in 2005 it was supposed to construct seven more stores. On the contrary, since 2002, Wal-Mart Company limited has not constructed any megastores apart from its â€Å"5 Sum Stores† situated in Ontario (David, David, Mark S., and Scort., 2006, p. 226). However, through utilization of adequate competitive strategies, Wal-Mart can effectively compete with Loblaw and deter entry and exits into their market arenas. The importance of entry and exit barriers and strategies that firms can use to deter entry Entry and exit barriers are significant for firms that are competing. In that case, firms such as Loblaw and Wal-Mart should develop strategies that will help them in entry deterring. Entry barriers are extremely essential because they are crucial in many cases of competition. It is thus important for company’s president’s to consider barriers to entry while assessing dominance and in their determination whether unilateral conduct might discourage new entrants from taking part in the market. Most importa ntly, barriers to entry might dampen, retard or nullify the usual market mechanism utilized in checking market power in terms of arrival and attraction of new rivalry. Additionally, substantial barriers to entry are essential in proving that the existence of a high level of market share translates into a superior market in abuse or monopolization of dominance cases (Turut and Ofek, 2000, p. 576). Over decades, various arguments have existed among economists on how to define entry barriers. Generally, the term refers to an obstruction that makes it extremely difficult for firms to get into a market. A hot debate has persisted on which hindrances should qualify to be termed as barriers to entry.

Is the U.S. a rapeculture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Is the U.S. a rapeculture - Essay Example and is part and parcel of life even though it is not either biologically or divinely ordained; despite being a set beliefs, values or attitudes, which can be changed by society (Buchwald, Pamela and Martha XI). Therefore, from the definition, it is justifiable to say that rape culture encompasses such elements as TV, jokes, legal jargon, jokes, words, rules and regulations, etc. that formalize and normalize sexual coercion and violence against women in society. Therefore, â€Å"Is the U.S. a rape culture?† This paper looks at the extent to which the American culture can be perceive as a rape culture historically and the present. Therefore, to answer my question, â€Å"Is the U.S. a rape culture?† Yes. Statistics indicates that there are many unreported cases of rape committed in the United States both in the past and the present. According to Buchwald, Pamela and Martha, many cases of assault that are unreported by the victims are perceived either as domestic disputes or bad dates implying that the victims perceive rape as just a mere normal occurrence in life or an acceptable behavior in society. For instance, a study report carried by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992-2000 indicate that of all sexual assaults committed against women in America, only 36% of rapes, 26% of sexual assaults and 34% of attempted rapes were reported to the police signifying that most sexual assaults and rapes were not reported or treated. The report further states that, when the victims were asked why they never reported their cases to the police, they cited reasons like: they feared reprisal, it was a personal matte r or they wanted to protect the offenders (Buchwald, Pamela and Martha). Therefore, from such studies it is evident that Americans perceive rape as a culture and a normal occurrence or behavior, which is condoned in society. In addition, the monthly reports compiled by the Uniform Crime Report of the FBI from more than 17,000 law agency enforcement, which covers over

Comparing and Contrasting Two works of Art Essay

Comparing and Contrasting Two works of Art - Essay Example These two works of art have a couple of similarities regarding their identity. The two effigies contain inscriptions. The Babylonian piece contains groups of laws. Similarly, the Roman column encompasses figures as well as an engraving that gives a remark so people can make sense of the structure. It talks about the people of Rome dedicating the image to Caesar. Moreover, the engravings were created following a certain order. The decrees were written in respect to the social status of the people. For instance, the rulings specified how a certain sanction will be applied to a noble citizen or to a slave. The column also has divisions in its carvings. The depicted wars were split into the two battles. The upper part portrays the war with the Dacians from 101 AD to 102 AD whereas the lower part showed what transpired from 105 AD-106 AD. Though their observable contents are dissimilar, their underlying theme is the same. The Code sought to honor Hammurabi’s wisdom and views on jus tice. Likewise, the Column commemorated the excellence of Trajan’s warfare skills. On the other hand, the differences regarding the statues’ identity are the material, artists, dating, and themes depicted. The artist responsible for the Code of Hammurabi’s construction is not yet verified since it is among the ancient works. It was found in 1901 by Gustave Jequier. He was an Egyptologist who was in an expedition. Nonetheless, the Column of Trajan was most likely overseen by Apollodorus, the known architect from Damascus. Furthermore, the material used in creating the legal code was a crude stone slab. Other duplicates of the manuscripts were found in other places (Freely, 2000). They were imprinted on tablets made of baked clay. Another copy of the Code is on a diorite stele and it is currently in The Louvre. The index shaped structure features an almost complete version of the laws. Regarding the Roman triumphal column, it is mainly made of marble (Lancaster, 1 999). The hollow beam consists of Carrara marble drums. Spiral stairs occupy the center. The huge edifice stands 30 meters or 98 feet high. The gap between the two works of art regarding their period is quite discernible. The Code came centuries before Trajan’s column. Their respective features speak of differences of craftsmanship that reflect the civilization of their times. The subsequent erection characterizes finer and more advanced craftsmanship. They also have distinctions as to their manifest content. While the Code of Hammurabi concentrates on what is accepted and what is not in their society, Trajan’s Column focuses on the settings that represent crusades against their enemies. A total of 2500 figures were found. Most of them were soldiers, priests, and soldiers. The emperor was illustrated 59 times. The 282 laws encompass conditions on trade, slavery, conducts, religion, and others (King, 2005). One of the most common decrees found in the slab is â€Å"an e ye for an eye† (Prince, 1904, p.602). The sanctions reflect how restrictions, punishments, and authorizations were being facilitated. Concerning the similarities of style, the two pieces are both realistic and geometrical. The king’s proclamations are credibly inscribed on the tablets and steles. Correspondingly, the column displays the realistic activities of the individuals organizing and involving in clashes. Particularly, Trajan’

Denmark Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Denmark - Research Paper Example It is a European Union (EU) member meaning that most of its regulations and legislation match standards of European Union. The country exists along the strongest supporters of trade liberalization within the European Union. After an extended upswing driven by consumption, its economy started dawdling in the year 2007 accompanied with the ending of housing boom. In the years 2008 and 2009, the prices of houses significantly dropped, and have continued dilapidating. This decline has been worsened by the global financial crisis. The decline also increased the costs incurred in borrowing leading to decreased consumer confidence, reduced export demand and lesser investments (Country Economic Forecast, 2012). Seventy five percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is accounted for by the service industries. On the other hand, the agricultural sector records reducing results since the finish of World War II. These proportions of the sectors’ contribution are also portrayed in employment; agricultural sector accounts for 1.6%, services sector 73% and industrial sector 25%. The country’s labor force is extensively unionized where 70-75% of total workers associate with confederation of trade unions (COTU); the unions exhibit cooperative relationship with the economy’s employers. Similar to other Nordic nations, women’s employment and participation rates are high (Country Economic Forecast, 2012). The country has a monarchy style of leadership; Queen Margrethe II being the state’s head. The country has high degree of accountability and transparency evidenced by the political institutions’ affairs satisfaction. It is considered to be among the least corrupt countries. Its corporate tax and VAT rates stand at 25%. The objective of the country’s central bank is inflation stabilization (Country Economic Forecast, 2012). The estimated country’s

Assignment 1 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Assignment 1 - Research Paper Example There was sanctification of the war against the heretics of the Christian church in Western Europe. These however were as a result of the successful Levant campaigns and expeditions. It is therefore worth noting that the success of the Levant’s Crusaders was important and instrumental to the developments that followed. The initial Levant crusaders emerged as a result of revival of the religious feelings as well as the missionary zeal that was evident in Europe during the tenth century. 1Personal, economic and political expansionisms are also thought to have resulted into the coming of the crusaders to Muslim Levant. During this time the crusaders were considered to be fighting the holy wars. The dominance of the worldliness spirits was a major contributor to the nature of holy wars. This is because the priests were seen as very powerful individuals representing the people in another world. In this perspective, they had a lot of influence on the western church as they represent ed part of the papacy’s secular policy that controlled the activities of the western church. However, the popes and the priests had certain reasons why they motivated their faithful to wars against the Muslims. The teachings by the priests and popes were influential since the believers and faithful perceived the war in a different perspective. Most of them believed that it was a direct way to salvation through pilgrimage. However, pilgrimage was not common among the believers since it had been taking place in the European continent. Pilgrimage was witnessed in the theaters where Christians and Muslims shared common frontiers. They included Italy, Spain, Asia Minor, Sicily and the sea. In Jerusalem, there were other groups under arms organized mainly for mutual protection. These represented pilgrimages in Jerusalem and its neighborhood as well and the powerful influence that pope and the priests had on the faithful. 2The other reason why the crusaders went on to Levant was bec ause of the belief that it gives an opportunity to divert the destructive war to a more useful purpose. The idea here is that the warlike energies are channeled away from the destructive endemic among the Christ people. This was good for the Christian community since it helped in the development of the new efforts to enforce God’s peace and truce among the believers, and fight the wicked. They believed that for an individual to proceed to the other world, one had to fight hard and win the war on earth. Fighting hard on earth as well as being obedience to the natural instinct was instrumental in helping the men gain the fruits of asceticism. The objective and the goal of crusaders were to spread Christianity at the available possible cost over the whole world. Generally, the major factor that contributed to the coming of the crusaders to the Muslim Levant was because of the strong and immediate policy that attempted to make Christianity universal even at the edge of sword in a ll parts of the world. The expeditions by the western church to capture and secure the Holy land resulted into the establishment of domains in Levant. This represents a broader struggle between the Christians and Muslims that tested the ability of each religion to control Levant. Christians thought the influence of the Muslim society in Levant

Prison Term Policy Recommendation Essay Example for Free

Prison Term Policy Recommendation Essay As a realistic matter, it is smart to sustain a bill that addresses a real concern, creates proper use of resources and effectively addresses the problem for which it was intended. It is known that victims of armed robberies want to see the offenders punished. It is noticeable that the public’s desire is to be safe and protected from being a victim of armed robbery. While on the other hand, the legislature must show caution in legislating across the board sentencing and defend discretion for the judicial system to consider the specific aspects that creates each case. â€Å"Yet advocates of deserved punishment argue that it is not automatically evident how intermediate sanctions compare with either prison or probation in terms of severity, nor is it clears how they compare with one another† (Clear, et. al., 2008). For example placing one offender on intensive probation while ordering another to pay a heavy fine may violate the equal punishment rationale of just deserts. Any recommendation should examine the proposed bill and the Criminal Justice System. Fairness is subjective; in spite of this every society will form a series of regulations through which to defend the individuals and society from damage. If an individual violates one of the regulations dictated by culture, there is usually a consensus of what constitutes a suitable punishment. In the United States, we depend on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in addition to every states adoption of the Model Penal Code. Section 1.02(1) of the Model Penal Code instructions the allocation of punishment as to safeguard conduct that is without liability from condemnation as criminal (culpability), to provide fair caution of the nature of the conduct confirmed to represent an offense (legality) and to differentiate on logical basis between serious and minor  offenses (proportionality) (Model Penal Code, n.d.). Here we are referring to armed robbery. Considered a felony, armed robbery tends to take a large penalty in the majority states. Among the fundamentals measured in determining if a crime has been committed, one must address the diverse levels of culpability and/ or extenuating factors. Armed robbery can be a violent well designed crime otherwise a clumsy half-witted attempt. Eventually a result of guilt must be made, by a predominance of the proof, with competent lawful protection representation offered to the accused. Only after all these necessities are met can a judge proceed with sentencing. These judges must have discretion in considering the above three aspects and weight them accordingly in order to distribute a sentence that is fair and balanced. While the community may desire a representative to be challenging on crime, the community tends to be sympathetic to media stories of criminals who act out of distraction or need. There has been strong resistance to suggestions that delay individual considerations. Beyond the instant punitive effect, punishment can serve the need of removing dangerous people from the society, serve as deterrence to those inclined to commit a crime and potentially reform criminals into law abiding citizens. These societies have also recognized that in order for any corrective act to have its preferred effect it has to fit the crime. Take for instance the cutting off of a hand for someone caught stealing. Most western societies would regard this punishment as too severe and those societies that adopted this practice have come under scrutiny for these practices. Armed robbery has no doubt been addressed within these judicial systems. Sentencing guidelines should always represent fairness in reliability and proportionality. Also consideration needs to be taken into account as to why new policy efforts are being made for this particular crime. Is there a belief that the accessible laws have displayed omissions or errors that must be addressed? Has there been a failure of the justice system in punishment of armed robberies? Are convicted armed robbers being released from prison too early? Do they cultivate to be repeat offenders? Do these crimes tend to rise into murder or other violent felonies? Are there precise instances where the existing laws have failed to serve justice? To decide the practicability of the bill, the discussion of correctional assets would be applicable. The result of this bill regarding  maximum sentencing (as opposed to mandatory minimum sentencing) doubles the correction time for the person who is convicted in the armed robbery. In each specific case, to evaluate suitable sentence and to weigh the severity of the crime, the bills full force is to provide more choices to judges and the sentencing board. This bill may not help enforcing the provisions but may supply more choices for the severe cases which deserve more severe punishment. References Clear, T.; Reisig, M.; Cole, G. (2008), American Corrections. Retrieved from Google Books. Model Penal Code. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www1.law.umkc.edu/suni/crimlaw/mpc_provisions/mpc1021.htm

Vendetta Essay Example for Free

Vendetta Essay 1. What period in history do you believe is portrayed in this movie? Considering the general circumstances illustrated in the movie; citizens afraid of its government, I believe, the period in history is when democracy was belittled, and government dominated with oppressive force. Since at various times the connection between V and Guy Fawkes is emphasized, the movie seems to be based on the historical event of November 5th, 1605; the date Guy Fawkes was arrested for conspiracy to blow up the parliament building. 2. Who do you believe in history does Chancellor Adam Sutler most resemble? It seems that since the period when the Guy Fawkes incident happened was when a protestant King was ruling England, Chancellor Adam Sutler equates to the figure aforementioned. However, in light of the Chancellor’s characteristics, he may represent another figure in history; Adolf Hitler. The rationale behind the link is because they both were dictators of a country that used military force to rule the country, and eradicated specific targets; for instance the gay for High Chancellor, and the Jewish for Adolf Hitler. 3. Who do the â€Å"Fingermen† represent in history? If the High Chancellor represents Adolf Hitler, the Fingermen would most likely symbolize the Nazis. The people who carried out rules, regardless of its brutality, directed by the head. 4. What or who does Lewis Prothero represent? I had heard once that in the period of the Nazi’s domination, there were a few people who expressed dissention through literary works, and since Lewis Prothero used his composition skills comically portray High Chancellor, shedding a light on the injustice of the government, from the little knowledge I have, Lewis Prothero seems to represent those who voiced their disagreement of the Nazi regime. 5. Who do the people taken into the prisons represents? There were a variety of people that were taken into prisons. First, there were those who did not fit in with the government’s ideals; most significantly gay people and those who showed objection to the government. Another group was those that became the target of a biological study. These fictional people of the movie most likely represent the victims of the Holocaust. 6. Is â€Å"V† a terrorist or is he an avenger? Why? V is both a terrorist and an avenger. V can be labeled a terrorist because he used extreme force to show his dissent with the government, injuring and murdering innocent people along with the act. However, if he were only a terrorist, he needn’t kill the specific people that took part in the biological study. 7. What has happened to the United States in this movie? The United States is portrayed to have fallen from its once superior state and failed to keep itself intact. 8. Why does â€Å"V† have such a grudge against Lewis Prothero? One main reason V has a grudge against Lewis Prothero is because he was the commanding officer of the particular prison that conducted a biological study on innocent people. Another may be because of the fact that he serves as the voice of the propagandizing the government. 9. What is Evey Hammond’s occupation and what kind of person is she in the beginning? What kind of person does she become later on? Evey Hammond holds a minor job at the broadcasting station and although she has all the reason to avenge on the government for its atrocities done on her family, she complies with the rules of the government and lives as a dutiful citizen.  However after she meets V, she loses the sense of fear she had lived with all her life, and frees her suppressed anger. 10. In whose footsteps does â€Å"V† follow? What is the date that is so important in the movie? And why is it so important? V follows the footsteps of the character of the movie he shows Evey; he chooses his idea over love. The date that keeps coming up is the 5th of November. Its role in the movie is significant because it’s the same date in history that Guy Fawkes and his accomplices planned to change the country by removing the leading people, the same objective and similar means of V’s plan.

Social Work Reflective Essay

Social Work Reflective Essay Introduction Reflection forms a central part of social work practice and education, and it is particularly important for social workers in placement settings or newly qualified social workers (Dcruz et al, 2007; Parker, 2010). In its simplest terms, reflection provides us with an opportunity to review our decisions and decision-making processes however, in practice, reflection is a far more complex concept (Trevethick, 2005: 251). It is essential that social workers have the confidence to question their own practice, the organisation that they work in, and dominant power structures in society at large (Fook, 1999). Reflection, and in particular critical reflective practice, forms a key part of this, as social workers are called on to reconsider and reconstruct the dominant social discourse. In this essay I will explore my experience of reflection during my practice placement, and in particular in relation to a specific case study. I will start by outlining my practice setting, and the details of the particular case study. I will then explore my experience of reflection, and how reflective practice supported me to apply theory to practice. Finally take a critical look at my practice, and suggest things that I could have done differently. Although I engage with and explored multiple models of reflection during my placement, the model of reflection that I found most useful was Schons theory of reflection (Schon, 1983; 2002). Schon advocated 2 types of reflective practice. Firstly, reflection-on-action, which involves reflecting on an experience that you have already had, or an action that you have already taken, and considering what could have been done differently, as well as looking at the positives from that interaction. The other type of reflection Schon notes is reflection-in-action, or reflecting on your actions as you are doing them, and considering issues like best practice throughout the process. Due to the limits of the current medium, I will be focusing mostly on reflection-on-action. However, appropriate use of this type of reflection should inform future practice, and encourage appropriate reflection-in-action when presented with a similar situation again. Practice Setting My placement was based at a not for profit mental health agency, where we provided psycho-social support for people who have experienced mental health difficulties. Many of the people that we worked with had been subject to section 2 or 3 orders under the Mental Health Act 1983/2007, and were now experiencing aftercare under section 117. Referrals to the agency could come from social services, GP surgeries, and other not-for-profit organisations. The people with whom we worked usually had a multitude of presenting issues and concerns, and I was aware from the onset that complex settings like this require social workers to be reflective in their practice in order to be able to deal with a variety of situations (Fook and Gardner, 2007). However, it soon became clear to me that the fast-paced working environment, where at times paperwork was promoted over practice, meant that reflection could potentially be ignored in favour of bureaucracy and targets (DCruz et al, 2007). This type of difficulty and uncertainty around reflection is common in placement settings and when starting a new role (Knott and Spafford, 2010). Reflection was particularly important when making the transition from university learning to the learning experienced in a placement setting. Social workers are provided with some guidance in practice to support this process. The Practice Competency Framework (PCF) domains provide some direction about what areas social workers are expected to emphasise in practice, and what needs to be evidenced in order to successfully complete a placement. Values and ethics are central to this framework, and comprise domain 2. Critical reflection is also part of this framework, making up the entirety of domain 6. However, it is essential that social workers do not become complacent in their personal reflection, and they cannot fall back on these types of guidance and procedures as a shield against engaging in reflection on complex ethical subjects (Banks, 2006). Case Study Many of the service users that we worked with had a dual diagnosis (problems with mental health and addiction). These service users particularly challenged me, as I found their intersecting issues usually stretch well beyond their dual diagnosis, to other areas like housing or physical health. I have, therefore, chosen to discuss one such case, where I engaged in substantial reflection. The background to this case study, and my involvement with him, will now be discussed. JK is a man in his 50s who was born in Nigeria but moved to the UK at a young age. When I worked with him, he lived in a housing project that was specifically meant to house ex-offenders. Although JK had a lead key-worker at my agency who was a permanent member of staff, I was responsible for the majority of the key working sessions with JK during my time on this placement. JK had a long history of substance misuse and mental health problems. He was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and dealt with significant anxiety and depression. He received depot injections monthly for his mental health difficulties, and he found these instances particularly distressing. JK also had a substantial history of criminal activity, which he said became necessary in order to maintain his addiction to certain illicit drugs. I would meet JK in a location of his choosing. Although usually this would mean either in our office or in his room, sometimes we went for a walk and I accompanied him to appointments at times also. This more informal working setting was where he felt he could speak most openly to me. Although I will discuss my involvement with JK more broadly,I will focus on one particular key working session that we had, where JK was most descriptive about all his concerns and the issues that were effecting him (session A). This is significant because reflection is particularly important when a critical incident like this has been experienced, and a less reflective approach could lead to a less holistic or even inadvertently oppressive account of what had transpired (Ruch, 2002). Reflective Practice Different models of reflection supported me throughout the reflective process. Gibbs Model of Reflection (1988) and Atkin and Murphys Model of Reflection (1994) both promote a cyclical approach to reflection, whereby reflection is ongoing and not a linear process. I found this to be the case, as I did not move through stages of refection one after the other, but moved between them, often returning to my conceptual starting point multiple times before settling on a holistic understanding of an event or situation that incorporates all systems influencing that scenario. Keeping a reflective diary of critical issues and my own thought process encouraged me to construct my understanding of the work I was doing, and justify what actions I had taken (White, 2001). Support from colleagues and supervisors was also invaluable in this process (Ruch, 2002). Yip (2006) aptly notes that models like those described above are most useful when starting out the reflective process, and I quickly adapted and developed a model of reflection that was most appropriate for me. Social work has traditionally been constructed as the professional knowing best, and continues to be practised in a way where the practitioner holds most of the power (Holmes and Saleeby, 1993). The power dynamics are slightly different in a non-statutory setting like I was working in. However, these power dynamics cannot be ignored, and underline all social work practice.I acknowledged the inherent power dynamics from the inception of my interactions with JK. I recognised that where unequal power dynamics exist in a relationship, it is usually the partner with the most power that benefits most from the interaction (Milner and OByrne, 2002). This is why it is important for social workers to listen to the perspectives of the people with whom they work, and be willing to accept different paradigms than their own or the dominant paradigm (Milner and OByrne, 2002). When working with JK, I was made aware of his engagement with mental health services, usually provided through the medical professions. He had an allocated community psychiatric nurse (CPN) who would visit occasionally, and at times he also met with a psychiatrist. Throughout my social work education, the difference between the medical model and the social model of experiencing mental illness has been stressed to me, and I clearly saw this when working with JK. The historically oppressive nature of mental health services is widely recognised in literature (Szasz, 1961; Foucault, 1967), and JK expressed to me at times that he felt that he was not listened to by medical professionals, and just moved from service to service having things done to him, rather than with him. Tew (2005) noted that the in the social model of mental distress, core values required include looking at the person and their situation holistically, removing the us and them thinking that tends to dominate mental health services, listening to what people really have to say, and being committed to anti-oppressive practice. I found these to be very helpful in working with JK. During Session A, the fact that I chose to explore JKs mental distress alongside the other issues that were going on in his life allowed me to identify that his physical health, including intense back pain that he has been experiencing, was having a substantial effect on his mental health, and I encouraged him to seek help and support with this. JK clearly appreciated my anti-oppressive approach, where I tried to work with him in partnership, and he was always keen to know when we would meet next. There is a stigma attached to having a mental illness, and even when contact with services has ceased, that stigma usually persists (Miles, 2005). JK had clearly been the subject of this stigma throughout his life. Tew (2005) believes if mental health services were more receptive to the social model of looking at mental distress, then significant amounts of this stigma and the resultant oppression would be removed. Applying Theory to Practice An important part of reflection in social work is the application and consideration of theories in practice (Trevethick, 2012). The theory base of social work is essential to all the work that we do in practice (Teater, 2010). Social workers need to be prepared to critically reflect on the theory that they are bringing to practice. It has been noted that the theory base of social work is dominated by euro-centric discourse, meaning that certain paradigms or perspectives may be excluded unintentionally (Trevethick, 2012). Being from Nigeria originally, and coming from a different cultural background than myself, meant that I had to be particularly careful in applying theory to the work that I did with JK.However, it is also clear that practice cannot just be based on routine or habit, with no basis in evidence (Thompson, 2009). The increasing influence of post-modern theory, which does not promote one paradigm over another, but focuses on the subjective nature of truth, has helped to alleviate these issues in social work to some extent (Fook, 2012). Our agency worked with some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society, and engaging in uninformed work with these types of service users is a dangerous undertaking (Collingwood et al, 2008). Through active engagement with reflection, I was able to work with JK using an eclectic theory and knowledge base, but was also careful to note if JK was not comfortable with some aspects of my approach, and adjusted the approach accordingly. Working closely with JK over a period of several months supported me to be able to identify any issues quickly, and by the time I we were engaged in Session A, we had a good working relationship. Of particular importance when working with service users who have a dual diagnosis was systems theory, and I found this theory to be particularly important when reflecting on Session A. Healy (2005) has recognised that systems theory have been highly influential on the knowledge base of social work. As noted above, people experiencing problems with addiction tend to have other issues in other areas of their lives (Tober and Raistrick, 2004).I was able incorporate specific applications of systems theory for the service user group I was working throughout my placement, and in particular with JK. The Six Cornered Addictions Rescue System (SCARS) was useful in that it took into account a person who was dealing with an addictions situation holistically, rather than just focusing on the addiction in isolation (McCarthy and Galvani, 2004). In Session A this allowed me to see how JKs addiction and mental health problems were also linked to issues with accommodation, physical health, relationships and employment. What could have been done differently? I have discussed my work with JK, and reflected on specific incidents and issues with him. However, returning to Schon (1983), he notes that reflection takes place within our own understanding and the meaning that we attribute to an event, rather than within the event itself. Therefore, social workers need to look at their own underlying assumptions, as well as dominant social narratives, in order to shape their holistic understanding and experience of a given incident. Dewey (1993) recognised the importance of discovering new information in reflection. This can come from both internal sources (personal reconsideration) and external sources (professional support or research), and this new information can completely re-construct the way that an incident or event is considered, and change the narrative that we are engaged in. This is helpful in reconsidering an event, and determining whether something could have been done differently or better. In relation to Session A, one area that I reflected on was that I may have focused too much on theory when working with JK. It has been recognised in literature around theory in practice that overly focusing on theory when working with service users can actually hinder the work being done, as the service user can feel depersonalised (Parker, 2010). As noted above, this was particularly important in the case of JK, who was from a different culture than me. More time could have been spent on listening to JK and his perspective, rather than trying to fit him into a theory or model for the sake of evidencing my own case notes or reflective journals. I worked with JK very much in isolation. Although I met his CPN and his drug worker, at no stage was a multi-agency meeting held that I was invited to. To some extent, this was the fault of the other professionals, who did not consult me on the work they were doing with JK, and literature has noted that collaboration is particularly difficult when working with dual diagnosis service users, as mental health and addiction services can disagree over the correct course, or who should take the lead (Clement et al, 1993; Champney-Smith, 2004). However, I could have made more of an effort to engage with them, or at least discuss with JK how much consultation he would like me to have with those other workers. Suter et al (2009) have found that a willingness to communicate is a key characteristic needed for effective collaboration, and after the other professionals were not active in engaging with me, I lost this willingness, potentially to the detriment of my work with JK. It has to be noted that reflection is not always recognised as a self-evidently positive mechanism. There are critics of the way reflection is promoted in current practice environments, with some bemoaning the cult following that has developed around reflection in the social work sphere (Ixer, 1999: 513). Boud and Knight (1996) equally describe how reflection has come to be seen as self-evidently worthwhile without significant critique (p.32). Ixer (1999) recognises that focusing too much on assessing reflection can lead to a prescriptive approach to reflection that is uncompromising. I found this to be the case at times, when I was expected to write my reflections at a certain time, and have reflective supervision in a certain way. As well as this, having someone essentially assessing my reflection made this even more difficult, as I was not able to reflect in a way that was personal for me. Parker (2010) has noted that reflection is not something that can be assessed based on traditional reductionist techniques. Therefore, I found it important to not just reflect on my work and the working environment, but also the process of reflection itself. Conclusion The issues that social workers are engaged with, and that I have discussed here, do not only reflect the concerns of the service user, but are a reflection of the issues that are inherent in wider society (Davis, 2007). Unequal power dynamics, concerns around oppression and issues with stigma are all societal problems that social workers need to engage with not just on a micro-level, but also a macro-level. To some extent this is an area that I found reflection lacking in. I was able to look at my own practice, and my own assumptions and narratives; however, I was unable to determine how best to address wider inequality and societal oppression of people like JK. In this reflective essay, I have explored my practice setting in relation to a particular case study. I introduced the placement setting and the case study, and then looked at my experience of reflection within this setting. I discussed how I engaged with different models of reflection, experienced power dynamics, and explored different interpretations of mental distress. I then moved on to look at how reflection promoted me to engage with theory in practice, in particular in relation to systems theory. Finally, I used this reflection to look at things that I could have done differently, including a decreased focus on theory and engaging more with other services. This type of critical reflection should be ongoing for social workers in practice, and to some extent it would be difficult to work in a complex setting like I was without being reflective. Although I noted some areas I could have improved on in my interactions with JK, what was most apparent in my work with him was that my willingness to explore his paradigm and perspectives opened him up to engaging with me on a range of issues, that otherwise may have remained hidden. References Atkins, S. and Murphy, K. (1994) Reflective Practice, Nursing Standard8(39) 49-56. Banks, S. (2006) Ethics and Values in Social Work, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Cameron, A., Lart, R., Bostock, L. and Coomber, C. (2012) Factors that promote and hinder joint and integrated working between health and social care services, London: SCIE. Champney-Smith, J. (2004) Dual Diagnosis in T. Peterson and A. McBride (Eds.) Working with Substance Misusers: A Guide to Theory and Practice, London: Routledge. Clement, J., Williams, E. and Waters, C. (1993) The client with substance abuse/mental illness: Mandate for Collaboration Achieves of Psychiatric Nursing, 7(4), 189-196. Collingwood, P., Emond, R. and Woodward, R. (2008) The theory circle: A tool for learning and for practice Social Work Education, 27(1), 70-83. Davis, A, (2007) Structural Approaches to Social Work in J. Lisham (Ed.) Handbook for Practice Learning in Social Work and Social Care: Knowledge and Theory, London: JK. Dewey, J. (1993) How we Think: A restatement of the relation of reflective thinking to the education process, Boston: Health Publishing. DCruz, H., Gillingham, P. and Melendez, S. (2007) Reflexivity, its meanings and relevance for social work: A critical review of the literature British Journal of Social Work, 37, 73-90. Fook, J. (1999) Critical reflectivity in education and practice in B. Pears and J. Fook (eds) Transforming Social Work Practice: Postmodern Critical Perspectives, St Leonards: Allen and Unwin, 195-208. Fook, J. (2012) Social Work: A Critical Approach to Practice, London: Sage. Fook J. and Gardner F. (2007) Practising Critical Reflection: A Resource Handbook, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill. Foucault M. (1967) Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason, London: Tavistock. Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Healy, K. (2005) Social Work Theories in Context: Creating Frameworks for Practice, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Holmes, G. and Saleeby, D. (1993) Empowerment, the Medical Model and the Politics of Clienthood, Journal of Progressive Human Services, 4(1), 61-78. Ixer, G. (1999) Theres no such thing as reflection British Journal of Social Work,29, 513-527. Knott, C. and Spafford, J. (2010) Getting Started in C. Knott and T. Scragg (eds.) Reflective Practice in Social Work, Exeter: Learning Matters. McCarthy, T. and Galvani, S. (2004) SCARS: A new model for social work with substance misuse  Practice, 16(2), 85-97. Milner, J. and OByrne P. (2002) Assessment in Social Work Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.Parker, J. (2010) Effective Practice in Social Work, Exeter: Learning Matters. Miles, A. (1987) The Mentally Ill in Contemporary Society, Oxford: Blackwell. Parker, J. (2010) Effective Practice Learning in Social Work, Exeter: Learning Matters. Ruch, G. (2002) From triangle to spiral: reflective practice in social work education, practice and research, Social Work Education, 21(2), 199-216. Schn, D. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner, New York: Basic Books. Schon, D. (2002) From technical rationality to reflection-in-action in R. Harrison, F. Reeve, A. Hanson and J. Clarke (eds) Supporting Lifelong Learning: Perspectives on Learning, London: Routledge. Szasz, T. (1961) The Myth of Mental Illness: Foundations of a Theory of Personal Conduct, London: Harper and Row. Teater, B. (2010) An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods, Maidenhead: Open University Press. Tew, J. (2005) Social Perspectives in Mental Health London: Kingsley. Thompson, N. (2009) Practicing Social Work: Meeting the Professional Challenge, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Tober, G. and Raistrick, D. (2004) Organisation of Services Putting it all Together in T. Peterson and A. McBride (Eds.) Working with Substance Misusers: A Guide to Theory and Practice, London: Routledge. Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook, Maidenhead: Open University Press. White, S. (2001) Auto-ethnography as reflexive enquiry: The research act as self-surveillance, in I. Shaw and N. Gould (eds), Qualitative Research in Social Work, London: Sage. Yip, K. (2006)Self-reflection in reflective practice: A note of caution British Journal of Social Work, 36(5), 777-788.

Politics and Love in Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra Essay -- Anton

Politics and Love in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra Although the political struggles in Antony and Cleopatra are often treated as backdrops to the supposedly more engaging love affair between the two title characters, these struggles permeate the entire play, and give the love story its heightened sense of importance and tragedy. The relationship between Antony and Cleopatra would not have attained its renown and immortality had they not had been extremely powerful and public figures. The conflict between public duty and personal desire is the underlying theme of the play, and how the characters respond to this conflict is what imbues the play with suspense and interest. This conflict is most clearly seen in Antony who is caught between his role as a triumvir of Rome and his love for the Egyptian Queen. By allowing his all-consuming passion to overwhelm his sense of responsibility, he loses his half of the empire to Octavian. Octavian, on the other hand, consistently places the interests of the state before his own. Although he is cal culating, shrewd, and unscrupulous, all of his thoughts are devoted to the ruling of Rome; politics is his one interest, and power his only obsession. Cleopatra as ruler is often treated secondarily to Cleopatra as seductress and lover. While most of the obvious power struggle is between Antony and Octavian, one cannot ignore Cleopatra's involvement. Throughout the play, and particularly at the end, she demonstrates an acute political awareness as she does her utmost to secure what is best for Egypt. In a play with three powerful figures it is expected that political motivations be never far from the foreground or from the characters' minds. Antony's conflict is succinctly described at th... ...ads and embodies. Question of politics and duty are present throughout Antony and Cleopatra, and the love story cannot be considered independently of them. The private emotions of the characters are influenced by the public world that they inhabit, and their actions are not only the actions of individuals, but also of powerful leaders. WORKS CITED Bradley, A.C. "Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra". Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra. Ed. John Russell Brown. London: MacMillan Press Ltd., 1968. Greenblatt et al., ed. Antony and Cleopatra. The Norton Shakespeare: Tragedies. New York: W.W. Norton and Company Inc. 1997. Holloway, John. "The Action of Antony and Cleopatra. Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra. Ed. John Russell Brown. London: MacMillan Press Ltd. 1968. Lissner, Ivar. The Caesars: Might and Madness. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1958.

Inquisition :: essays research papers

The procedure, on the other hand, was substantially the same as that already described. Here, too, a "term of grace" of thirty to forty days was invariably granted, and was often prolonged. Imprisonment resulted only when unanimity had been arrived at, or the offence had been proved. Examination of the accused could take place only in the presence of two disinterested priests, whose obligation it was to restrain any arbitrary act in their presence the protocol had to be read out twice to the accused. The defence lay always in the hands of a lawyer. The witnesses although unknown to the accused, were sworn, and very severe punishment, even death, awaited false witnesses, (cf. Brief of Leo X of 14 December, 1518). Torture was applied only too frequently and to cruelly, but certainly not more cruelly than under Charles V's system of judicial torture in Germany. (4) Historical Analysis The Spanish Inquisition deserves neither the exaggerated praise nor the equally exaggerated vilification often bestowed on it. The number of victims cannot be calculated with even approximate accuracy; the much maligned autos-da-fà © were in reality but a religious ceremony (actus fidei); the San Benito has its counterpart in similar garbs elsewhere; the cruelty of St. Peter Arbues, to whom not a single sentence of death can be traced with certainty, belongs to the realms of fable. However, the predominant ecclesiastical nature of the institution can hardly be doubted. The Holy See sanctioned the institution, accorded to the grand inquisitor canonical installation and therewith judicial authority concerning matters of faith, while from the grand inquisitor jurisdiction passed down to the subsidiary tribunals under his control. Joseph de Maistre introduced the thesis that the Spanish Inquisition was mostly a civil tribunal; formerly, however, theologians never questioned its ecclesia stical nature. Only thus, indeed, can one explain how the Popes always admitted appeals from it to the Holy See, called to themselves entire trials and that at any stage of the proceedings, exempted whole classes of believers from its jurisdiction, intervened in the legislation, deposed grand inquisitors, and so on. (See TOMà S DE TORQUEMADA.) C. The Holy Office at Rome The great apostasy of the sixteenth century, the filtration of heresy into Catholic lands, and the progress of heterodox teachings everywhere, prompted Paul III to establish the "Sacra Congregatio Romanae et universalis Inquisitionis seu sancti officii" by the Constitution "Licet ab initio" of 21 July, 1542.

Charlie as the Victim of Circumstance in F. Scott Fitzgeralds Babylon

Charlie as the Victim of Circumstance in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Babylon Revisited The story's protagonist, Charlie Wales, is less a victim of bad luck than of circumstance, both socio-economic and personal. Charlie does not deserve Marion's continued denial of custody of his daughter, but the story is less about what Charlie does or does not deserve than how easily one's life can spin out of control due to unforeseen circumstance. Marion and Charlie dislike each other on a visceral level. Marion's feelings are not solely caused by Charlie's alcoholism and past behavior. She focuses upon Charlie a hatred borne of her resentment of her family's financial situation, as evidenced by Lincoln's comment to Charlie over lunch: "I think Marion felt there was some kind of injustice to it-you not even working toward the end, and getting richer and richer." (p. 15) Her hatred is also fueled by her physical illness and her unfounded belief that Helen's marriage to Charlie was not happy. When Charlie locked Helen out during a snowstorm and Helen later became ill from exposure, Marion felt ...

Friar Laurence and the Nurse Essay

The Nurse and Friar Laurence have a great influence on the outcome of Shakespeare’s famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Their words and actions have an enourmous impact on the two main characters. The Friar acts as Romeo’s friend, philosopher, and guide. This is a parallel role to the Nurse who advises Juliet. They continuously work together to find ways for the young adults to marry in hopes of uniting the two and bringing peace to Verona. Their roles as parent figures compel them to help the two adolescents marry. The Nurse and Friar Laurence are kind and meaningful characters who positively contribute to the alliance and temporary happiness of Romeo and Juliet. The Friar elicits the emotions in Romeo that are usually reserved for a father. He is ready with a plan to help the secretly impassioned lovers. â€Å"But come on, inconsistent young man, come with me. I’ll help you with your secret wedding. This marriage may be lucky enough to turn the hatred between your families†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He feels able to bring the years of feuding between the Montagues and the Capulets to an end by helping Romeo and Juliet to marry. The Nurse is a trusted family servant to Lord Capulet in Verona and she maintains an active voice in their family affairs. Lady Capulet involves the Nurse in her discussion with Juliet about her possible marriage to Paris. She has been with the Capulet family for at least fourteen years, the entirety of Juliet’s life. The Nurse had a daughter, Susan, born on the same exact day as Juliet. Susan died, and since her death the Nurse has taken care of Juliet and become more like a mother to her than Lady Capulet. The Nurse was actually Juliet’s wet nurse, and it is proven that a bond between a baby and one who feeds it is very strong. She uses many terms of endearment; when calling on Juliet: â€Å"What, lamb? What ladybird?† When Juliet speaks to her mother she speaks very formally, calling her â€Å"madam.† The conversation between Juliet and her mother is stilted and proper, whereas the Nurse is very open with her opinions, advice, and feelings with Juliet. When talking about Paris, she talks like a schoolgirl gossiping about Paris’ looks: â€Å"A man, young lady! Lady such a man as all the world – why, he’s a man of wax.† It is the Nurse who tells Juliet that Romeo has been banished after killing Tybalt. â€Å"Tybalt is gone, and Romeo banished; Romeo that kill’d him, he is banished.† The Nurse is the only guest at Romeo and Juliet’s wedding and it is Friar Laurence who marries them. Each of these characters, therefore, has a central role in the play. It is Friar Laurence who gives Juliet the sleeping draught to be used to convince her famnily that she is dead. His letter to Romeo goes missing and this is key to Romeo’s suicide when he too believes that Juliet has taken her own life. It is the Nurse who finds Juliet’s body. The two older characters whose words and actions are most central to the play, then, are the Nurse – a positive maternal role model to Juliet – and Friar Laurence – a positive paternal role model to Romeo.

The Green Revolution in Iran

On June 12, 2009, a series of protests broke out after the results of the presidential election in Iran. The riots started in the capital city of Tehran, and quickly spread throughout the Islamic Republic. Protestors gathered in other major cities around the world, including New York City (Mackey). Hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Iranians were protesting against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reelection, which was allegedly the result of electoral fraud. These allegations have been investigated by parties in and outside of Iran, including London’s Chatham House and the Institute of Iranian Studies, University of St. Andrews in Scotland, which co-published a report after the election. The report was written by Chatham House's Daniel Berman and Thomas Rintoul, and edited by St. Andrews' Professor Ali Ansari. The following is an excerpt from that report’s summary: In two conservative provinces, Mazandaran and Yazd, a turnout of more than 100% was recorded. In a third of all provinces, the official results would require that Ahmadinejad took not only all former conservative voters, all former centrist voters, and all new voters, but also up to 44% of former reformist voters, despite a decade of conflict between these two groups. 2) The people of Iran are demanding change and a freer government. Now is the time for the United States to recognize a potential new ally. America should support the Green Revolution—named after opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi's campaign color—because a regime change in Iran would strongly promote world peace by removing the Abadgaran[1] regime and its nuclear ambitions; it would remove a regime with a history o f violating the basic human rights of its citizens and foreigners; and it would open up the potential for a new ally and trading partner in the Middle East. Iran’s nuclear policy has changed dramatically since the Ahmadinejad presidency took control of it in August 2005. It has shifted from being open to compromise with the global community to increasing its power and imposing Iran on the region (Chubin 32-33). Paralleling Iran’s nuclear program is a troubling missile program. The Shahab-4, a variant of Iran’s favorite missile, the Shahab-3, has a range of 1,200 miles (FAS). This coupling highly suggests a nuclear weapons program. The Abadgaran regime’s history of violating the human rights of its citizens ranges from harassment to wrongful imprisonment or execution to murder. Women have been harassed by police since the Islamic Revolution for allegedly wearing their hijab[2] improperly. Several hundred women were arrested in Tehran in April of 2007 for their â€Å"bad hijab† (Harrison). The persecution of Baha’is in Iran erupted after the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. Despite being Iran’s largest religious minority group at that time, the rights of the Baha’i community are not mentioned in the Republic’s constitution. It is legal for Iranians to assault, even murder Baha’is because they are left legally unprotected, and labeled â€Å"infidels† (BIC). Another example of Iran’s discrimination is its so-called â€Å"solution† to homosexuality. The government pushes homosexuals to undergo gender reassignment surgeries to conform to its theocratic views on sexuality. These procedures are paid for by the government, and for many poor gays and lesbians in Iran, especially those living in the Republic’s rural areas, it is the only option to â€Å"be like others† (Hays). To conclude assessing the human rights violations of Iran’s theocratic government is the case of 27-year-old Neda Agha-Soltan. Neda was an average young woman in Iran, except that she was taking singing lessons, which is illegal for women in Iran. On June 20th, Neda and her singing instructor got out of her car to get a breath of fresh air near the protests, and she was shot by a Basiji[3] in Tehran (Fathi). She was defenseless, and public attempts to mourn her were broken up by the government. â€Å"Her name means voice in Persian, and many are now calling her the voice of Iran,† said Nazila Fathi in her report of Neda’s death for The New York Times. President George W. Bush’s â€Å"axis of evil† speech undermined support of Iranians who argued for better relations with the United States. When Bush made that speech in 2002, Mohammad Khatami, a reformer, was the president of Iran (Freedman 473). The United States sanctions against Iran have helped to further the Abadgaran regime’s agenda by giving justification to a group that is desperate for it; the sanctions have allowed them to consolidate their power and further oppress Iranians who go against the government’s policies. Iran’s current state is best described in Lawrence Freeman’s A Choice of Enemies: The [Bush] administration found it consistently difficult to get the measure of Tehran. Bush depicted it as a â€Å"nation held hostage by a small clerical elite that is repressing and isolating its people,† but the reality was far more complex . (482) A regime change in Iran could see the lifting of American trade sanctions against Iran; U. S. sanctions have had an impact on Iran’s oil economy. Mohammed Akacem, a petroleum expert at Metropolitan State College of Denver said, â€Å"U. S. oil companies would love to go to Iran, so sanctions have retarded a little bit of Iran’s ability to improve its oil sector (qtd. in Beehner). † Securing another efficient source of oil would help to ease the American economy as alternative energy sources are developed, and workers are trained to perform the tasks necessary to operate these new facilities. The Iranian government's response to this movement is violent and choking. In late July, a mass trial was conducted against over 100 reformist figures, accused of—as reported by Robert F. Worth and Nazila Fathi—â€Å"conspiring with foreign powers to stage a revolution through terrorism . . . (1)†. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei went so far as to say questioning the election was â€Å"the biggest crime (qtd. in Dareini). † The people of Iran are now rising up and demanding their emancipation, and they need support from the global community. The United States needs to support the Green Revolution if it seeks to make a friend of Iran. The proper support could see a regime change and the establishment of an Iran open to cooperation with America, enriching both Iranian and American societies. The average American can help as well if there are organizations set up to aid the opposition movement in Iran by donating and volunteering, and corporate America can set up the aforementioned organizations, and increase the media’s focus on the movement in Iran. All this can be done without any military involvement by the United States. The American Revolution freed us from oppression; let us help the Iranian people free themselves as well.

Figaro Coffee Company Essay

Providing excellent coffee and gracious exceptional service, creating a memorable experience for people who appreciate high quality coffee and exceptional service. Experience also for the people who love’s different kinds of pastries. Like what we’ve said Figaro can assure people that this experience would lasts. We have discussed about a basic franchise with a unique products and style of service that will leave a lasting impression. This will bring out another reason for the company and the product itself to be more familiar to the market. Figaro’s distinctive store design, unique ambience and style of service satisfy the global customer. They always practice good business strategy and actively pursue the cause of socio-cultura and environment concerns. Figaro creates long term value for its owners and business partners through profitable operations and business sustainability and dignity of life for its employees. Figaro value not only the customers but also the welfare of the company. There are so many things to be discussed. The following chapter discusses the background of the said franchise its history and profile, types of business, achievements and current market standing. These informations would help you to know more about Figaro Coffee Company. II. History The Figaro Coffee Company was established in 1993 by a group of 7 coffee lovers. The business was born out of their passion for coffee which has begun with brewing coffee from all over the world in their homes. Coffee was a hobby that soon became a business. They wanted others to appreciate the fine art of enjoying coffee the way they have their many travels. The first Figaro cafà © formally opened in November 1993. It was then a simple kiosk located in one of Manila’s premier malls. Figaro offered freshly-brewed coffee and a selection of specialty coffees from around the world as well as a variety of coffee and tea paraphernalia. The owners managed the cafà © themselves, brewing coffee for their customers and teaching them how to brew and enjoy their coffee at home. It was that kind of personalized service that endeared them to their customers. The Figaro reflects the European coffee culture; from classic espresso-based coffees to the design and atmosphere of the cafes. It has generated a solid following among serious coffee drinkers and has expanded to 50 plus cafes in the Philippines to date.

Improving Quality of Health Care Services

Improving Quality of Health Care Services The U. S. leads the way in many areas into the future of economy, wealth and civilization. America spends more on heath care than any other nation with quality and safety being a key focus. Nevertheless, evidence of improvement of decreased errors is limited. We lack answers to financial stability and providing quality health care to all (Becher & Chassin, 2001). Nationally, everyone is engaged in improving the quality and safety of healthcare.We need to be awakened to preventing errors and providing safer care (Laureate, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the initiative to improve quality and safety of health care with the â€Å"Six Dimensions of Goodness in Healthcare. † A quality and/or safety initiative Healthcare facilities are engaging in the prevention of medical errors and providing better care. Many institutions are implementing process improvement focused on six key dimensions to enhance the quality and safety in their healthcare setting (Laureate, 2009).The six dimensions are: Safety-to avoid injury to patients from the care that is intended to help them; Timeliness-to reduce waits and harmful delays; Effectiveness-to provide services based on scientific knowledge to all who could benefit and refrain from providing services to those not likely to benefit (avoiding overuse and underuse, respectively); Efficiency-to avoid waste; Equitability-to provide care that does not vary in quality because of personal characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, geographical location, and socioeconomic status; and Patient centeredness-to provide care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values (Madhok, 2002). Reasons for the initiative The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has a growing concern about medical errors. The IOM report â€Å"Crossing the Quality Chasm,† asked for a basis change, recommending that the delivery of health care be based on six key dime nsions. We have an interaction between the errors of individuals and system flaws that need to be prevented. We need to strengthen our defense systems (Madhok, 2002). The report, â€Å"To Err is Human† estimated that 44,000 Americans die per year as a result of medical errors.More deaths occur in a given year from medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS. National costs of preventable medical errors were estimated between $17 billion – $29 billion (Madhok, 2002). Healthcare institutions are embracing new initiatives for safer care based on the six dimensions. Healthcare systems are implementing the six dimensions as a basic initiative to improve quality. The IOM states that American healthcare must make vast changes to have clinically safe and quality care (Madhok, 2002). The six dimensions can influence and direct the overall process of improvement (Laureate, 2009). Payment systems such as Pay for Performance are causing facilities to i ncorporate the six dimensions.Pay for Performance initiatives advocate financial rewards to hospitals demonstrating outstanding preventative and care giving practices (Sultz & Young, 2011). Poor outcomes with medication errors, skin breakdown, patient falls, isolation procedures, and drug protocols can effect payment to hospitals (Laureate Education Inc, 2009). High quality medical care at an affordable cost is a growing goal for healthcare institutions. Effective, safe, and affordable health care leads to higher patient satisfaction (Quality Initiatives, 2004). Strengths and limitations of the initiative The six dimensions encourage a strong focus on health care quality and error prevention.They encourage policymakers, purchasers, regulators, health professionals, health care trustees, management, and consumers to commit to a national system level of process improvement for quality health care. They encourage a shared agenda to pursue safer care (Madhok, 2002). This can cause facil ities wanting independence limitations. Overuse of fee-for-service has been associated with higher rates of variety of health services. Americans are fascinated with technology and often want something done whether it is the best choice of care. Health care providers accommodate consumers. A more unified system could provide better care. It could decrease spending and limit the freedom to choose any type of care one desires (Becher, & Chassin, 2001).A fragmented healthcare system needs to come together to provide equal access and care to all U. S. citizens (Laureate, 2009). The six dimensions promote a high level of performance leading to better quality performance and a process of care measures. Healthcare is â€Å"raising the bar† for better care with enhanced collaboration, benchmarking, and facility board goals to support the dimensions (Jiang, 2010). Quality goals such as Zero central line infections & zero sepsis is encouraging a higher level of care instead of being sa tisfied with average outcomes of care (Jiang, 2010). Role of nursing Health care is a team sport. Nursing needs to be part of the team and be actively involved in preventing harm to patients (Laureate, 2009).Effective leadership with health care change needs to come from those engaged in providing health care to patients (Becher & Chassi, 2001). Nursing should be a part of identifying the error cause, gathering data, and making goals to prevent subsequent errors (NCC MERP, 2002). Nursing can be more aware and involved in prevention. Nursing can adopt higher standards and have an attitude of prevention concerning errors. Patients should not ever leave a health care facility in a condition worse than they arrived. U. S. health care must improve their standards of care (Laureate, 2009). Nursing can be a part of better communication and handoff’s. The patient has often been the communication link to give report to the next caregiver (Becher, E. & Chassin, M. , 2001).Bedside nurse s need empowerment to provide care and be involved in creating policies for better care. Nurses need more education, to get more involved in National groups that can affect policy, and to participate in research. Nurses have a great responsibility for safe healthcare. They have an opportunity to make a difference (Laureate, 2009). Nursing should be a part of identifying the error cause, gathering data, and making goals to prevent subsequent errors (NCC MERP, 2002). Summary – 10 point The second IOM report â€Å"Crossing the Quality Chasm,† asked for a fundamental change, recommending that the delivery of health care in the 21st century be based on six key dimensions (Madhok, 2002).The key dimensions are safety, effectiveness, patient centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equitability (Laureate, 2009). Healthcare systems are implementing the six dimensions as a basic initiative to improve quality and safety and direct the overall process of improvement of care (Laur eate, 2009). We have an interaction between the errors of individuals and system flaws that need to be prevented. We need to strengthen our defense systems (Madhok, 2002). A fragmented healthcare system needs to come together to provide equal access and care to all U. S. citizens (Laureate, 2009). Nurses can be a large part of implementing the six dimensions. Nurses have a great responsibility for safe healthcare.They have an opportunity to make a difference (Laureate, 2009). The six dimensions of goodness can assist the U. S. to improve quality and safety in the healthcare system. References Becher, E. & Chassin, M. (2001) Improving quality, minimizing error: Making it happen. Health Affair(20)3 68-81. Retrieved on February 5, 2011 from http://content. healthaffairs. org/content/20/3/68. full. pdf Becher, E. & Chassin, M. (2001). Improving the quality of health care: Who will lead? Health Affairs, 20(5), 1-6. Retrieved from Walden University Library website: http://web. ebscohost. com. ezp. waldenlibrary. org. Jiang, H. (2010). Enhancing quality oversight.Healthcare Executive (3) 80-83. Retrieved from Walden University Library website: http://web. ebscohost. com. ezp. waldenlibrary. org. Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). The context of healthcare delivery. Baltimore: Author. Madhok, R. ( 2002). Crossing the quality chasm: lessons from health care quality improvement efforts in England. PubmedCentral – Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. Retrieved on February 6, 2011 from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC1276338/ NCC MERP. National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention. (2002). Retrieved on February 2, 2011 from http://www. nccmerp. rg/council/council2002-06-11. htm Quality initiatives in healthcare management, (2004, March). Healthcare Management. Retrieved on February 4, 2011 from http://www. expresshealthcaremgmt. com/20040331/qualitymanagement01. shtml Redman, R. (2008). Expe rience and expertise: how do they relate to quality and safety? Research and Theory for Nursing practice: An International Journal, 22 (4), 222-224. Retrieved from Walden University Library website: http://web. ebscohost. com. ezp. waldenlibrary. org. Sultz, H. A. , & Young, K. M. (2011). Health care USA: Understanding its organization and delivery (7th ed. ). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

A View of the Problems in Washington, D.C., Surrounding the Enforcement of Firearm Limitations

A View of the Problems in Washington, D.C., Surrounding the Enforcement of Firearm Limitations Challenges to local gun restrictions in Washington DC Introduction The district of Columbia law prohibits handgun possession by criminalizing carrying of unregistered firearm and barring the registration of handguns, the law gives a separate provision that an individual shall not carry an unlicensed firearm, however, the law permits the police chief to give 1year licenses, and it is a requirement for the residents to keep legally owned handguns dissembled and unloaded or bound by a trigger lock apparatus. The petitioner Heller, a special D.C police officer sought permission to register a firearm he wanted to keep at home, yet the District declined his application (Blocher, (2008). The petitioner filed this suit pursuing based on the Second Amendment grounds, to include Dc from implementing the ban on firearm registration, the licensing need at the moment bars possessing an unlicensed handgun at home, in addition to the trigger lock device as it disallows functional firearms use at home. The D.C circuit reversed the suit set aside by the District Cou rt holding the view that the Second Amendment gives a person protection to own handguns. More so, the circuit held that the city’s full ban on handguns, in addition to the city’s requisites that firearms held at home should always be dissembled or on trigger lock devices; denied an individual his right to defend himself/herself when in danger Majority opinion District of Columbia v. Heller (2007-2008) The Supreme Court held that the second amendment guarantees a person’s protection to own a firearm as long as the firearm is not related to use of unlawful deeds but for purposes of protection and self defense inside the home. According to the majority ruling delivered by Scalia J, the firearm and trigger-lock apparatus requirement (when applied to self-defense) violates the second amendment act. The entire ban on firearm possession at home by the District is tantamount to the illegalization of different class ownership of ‘arms’’ which Americans unilaterally choose for the legal purpose of self-protection. Under some of the normal scrutiny the court has used applications to enumerated constitutional rights, therefore the ban in the scenario where the value of legal defense of family, property, and self is paramount the ban would fail the constitutional rights agreed (Lee, 2009). Additionally, the need that for every legal firearm held at home the handgun must be dissembled or bound by trigger-lock device makes it absolutely impossible for citizens to use the lawfully held firearms for the primary lawful objective of self-defense and thus making the total ban unconstitutional. In this ruling the Supreme Court considered Heller’s oral acceptance that the District law is allowed when not capriciously or arbitrarily enforced, the bench assumes that a license shall meet his prayer for relief even though licensing need is never addressed. Therefore, assuming the petitioner is not barred from exercising the second amendment rights; the District should allow the petitioner to register his handgun and must provide Heller a license to carry within the home. Being aware of the challenge of firearm violence in the country, and taking seriously the prayers of those that believe the ban on handgun possession is a remedy. The constitution gives the city a range of tools for curbing the menace; this includes a number of measures regulating f irearms (Magarian,2009). A constitutional enshrined right certainly takes particular policy an option off the negotiating table. This option includes the total prohibition of handguns used and possessed for self-defense within the home. Indisputably a number is of the opinion that the second amendment is outdated in a community where the nation’s army is the pride of the nation, and was a very well-trained disciplined force give private security, and a society that gun violence is a menace. According to them, this is arguable; however, what is not arguable of course is this court making the second amendment defunct. Minority opinion District of Columbia v. Heller (2007-2008) The Supreme Court’s dissenting opinion holds that the ruling of giving a fresh constitutional right to possess and the usage of handguns for personal objectives defeats the foregone understanding, yet it provides an uphill task for future litigations seeking definitions for the scope of allowable procedures and regulations. Particularly, the dissenting judgment delivered by Stevens noted that there is no sign that the drafters of the amendment desired to include the common-law right of self –protection as an integral part of the constitution. The minority judge notes that the opinion announced by the court fails to find any new evidence giving support to the view that the amendment was meant congress power to minimize civilian use of weapons. Incapable to give any such findings, the announcement relies on an edgy and unimpressive understanding of the amendments context. With the assumption that majority of citizens are law steadfast, and given the reality that the desir e to protect oneself might suddenly emerge in number of locations other than within the home, the judge in his opinion fears that the city’s policy choice might as well be the first of unidentified number of dominoes to be removed off the table. Conclusion Even though the ruling, in this case, provides a short implication to the formulation of the second amendment, the court focuses at length on other four primary sources: Blackstone’s commentaries on England laws, the Seventeen century English Bill of rights, the post-civil war legislative history, and the post-enactment commentary on the second amendment. The above sources give the slight answer to the bigger question before the court, and thus, in any event, offer small support to the courts conclusion. The majority ruling thus expresses some elements of judicial restraint from the jury.