Methamphetamines Essays - Neurochemistry, Methamphetamine

Methamphetamines Methamphetamines are powerfully addictive stimulants that dramatically affect the central nervous system. The drugs are made easily in clandestine, or illegal laboratories with cheap over the counter ingredients. These factors combine to make methamphetamines drugs extremely dangerous, and vulnerable to widespread use. Methamphetamines are also commonly known as speed, meth, or chalk. In its' smoked form they are often referred to as ice, crystal, crank, or glass. They are a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine's chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more pronounced effects on the central nervous system. Like amphetamines, they causes increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of well being, which can last 6 to 8 hours. After the initial rush, there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Contrary to the stereotype of rural areas as idyllic, protected environments in which to raise families, substance abuse is as great a problem as it is in the cities. One must realize that rural communities vary in characteristics considerably, which complicates our understanding of rural substance use problems and increases the need for prevention, intervention, and treatment programs. For too long, the problems of alcohol and drug abuse in rural areas have received little attention from the federal level. As national studies show, those who live in rural areas are just as likely to have alcohol and other drug problems as those who live in large and small cities. The choice of addictive substances may differ, but the prevalence of abuse is virtually the same for country and city dweller alike. Less attention has been focused on drug use in rural than urban areas despite evidence that metro and nonmetro differences in rates of substance abuse have been declining. Between 1975 and 1991, the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) collected drug, alcohol, and tobacco use data from individuals age 12 and older living in U.S. households. These data are used to report trends in illegal drug use for large and small metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas of the United States. Lifetime-use patterns of marijuana, hallucinogens, inhalants, and cocaine by age group for the three population density areas are compared. In general, nonmetropolitan prevalence rates for the four drugs were slightly lower than those for the two metropolitan population density areas, however, the rates appear to be converging. Lifetime substance use was highest for those age 18 to 34. (Moxley,1992 p.119) A clandestine laboratory is a laboratory used for the primary purpose of illegally manufacturing controlled substances, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Clandestine labs are typically small, utilizing common household appliances, glassware, and readily available chemicals. (KBI, 1997, p.1-2) Clandestine laboratories come in all sizes and are found in a variety of locations. The most common and the fastest growing type of lab is the methamphetamine lab, or crank lab. Methamphetamine laboratories have been seized in homes in residential areas, vehicles, apartments, hotels, kitchens, bathrooms, garages and various other outbuildings. (University of Kansas, 1995, p. 6) There are many different methods for producing Methamphetamines. Each method has its own inherent dangers. Many of the chemicals used are corrosive or destructive, and some of the processes create noxious and harmful fumes. Additionally, many of the chemicals can be found in common household items such as Coleman fuel, some cleaners, and diet pills. The most productive laboratories are commonly located in rural areas, such as farms, rural residences and forestry land. Rural areas are often targeted for laboratory manufacturing to avoid detection by law enforcement. Often these labs are larger and produce strong chemical odors, which could be easily detected by neighbors. (Weisheit, Wells, 1996, p.384) Clandestine laboratories are commonly operated on an irregular basis. Operators often produce a batch, or conduct one step in the process, then disassemble and store the lab, or move the lab to another location to complete the process. This is often done in order to avoid detection by law enforcement. (KBI, 1997, p.2) Methamphetamine labs are increasingly becoming a public safety hazard. Even months after a lab has been closed, chemical residue that has seeped into carpet or wood can be dangerous. (Gallon, 1998, p.48) Police and Firefighters must take special safety courses to handle meth situations because of the likelihood of explosions, invisible poison gases and other dangers. People who come into contact with the highly toxic chemicals that are used to make the drug can become sick and prolonged exposure can lead to cancer. The majority of methamphetamine labs are of the smaller

The Downfall of MacBeth Essays

The Downfall of MacBeth Essays The Downfall of MacBeth Essay The Downfall of MacBeth Essay The Downfall of MacBeth BY Kill_em123 MacBeth, Lady MacBeth, and the three witches are all to blame for the tragedy of MacBeth. Lady Macbeth is to blame through her convincing of Macbeth, MacBeth for following his ambition instead of his conscience, and the witches for putting the idea of being king into Macbeths head. Let not light see my black deep desires. (l, i, 51) Lady MacBeth is to blame for the tragedy because she convinces manipulates MacBeth into killing Duncan. She does this by insulting his manhood, to which MacBeth takes great offense to. She does this to feed her hunger for power, all the while she knows that she has the ability to control MacBeth through her words. Also, she knows hed let her have some control and be queen. This illustrates Lay MacBeths motives to lead MacBeth to his eventual downfall. miet do I fear thy nature; it is too full of the milk of human kindness to catch the nearest way. (l, v, 16-18) MacBeth is also to blame in how the play turned out. This is because if he wasnt so ambitions and narrow minded, things might have ended differently. MacBeth howed concern for the killing of Duncan, and at one point states that he would Proceed no further in this business (l, vii, 31). However, his ambition gets the better part of him, and makes him directly responsible for what happens after he murders Duncan. Without him seeing the ghost of Banquo, there would have been minimal suspicion in his involvement in the murder. Without the three witches intervention, the idea to murder King Duncan wouldnt have crossed MacBeths mind. The witches tell MacBeth that he will be king, and that is how he ultimately comes up with the idea to murder Duncan. This thought, however, ultimately leads to MacBeths demise. The three witches accounted three prophecies of MacBeth: That he would be Thane of Cawdor (the last one was executed), the Thane of Glamis (Which he already was), and finally to be king of Scotland. Fair is foul, and foul is fair. (l, i, 2). In conclusion, without Lady MacBeth convincing him, the three witches putting the idea in his head, and MacBeth actually acting out, and murdering or hiring people to murder others, the tragedy wouldnt have happened. With this happening, the play wouldVe changed dramatically and ended differently.

Research Studies in Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Research Studies in Managment - Essay Example The effects of chronological age - defined in social terms in relation to an individual’s chosen or forced behaviour on the grounds of age – has been an issue of political, economic and social relevance since the implementation of the First Action Programme on Ageing, and culminates provisionally with the European Employment Directive. Legislation outlawing age discrimination in employment and vocational training has thus come into force by this year 2006. UK government policy aims to encourage older people to remain active within the workforce. This is in part recognition of the rise in longevity and the importance of living a healthy active contributory later life, but it is also to compensate for the potentially large take-up of pension benefits in the future. Saving throughout the life course and working later in life is also seen as a means of ensuring a satisfactory level of income in old age. Direct discrimination (less favourable treatment): Such type of discrimination is allowed at some places like, a Roman Catholic school may be able to restrict applications for a scripture teacher to baptized Catholics. Harassment (in accordance with national law/practice), victimisation, dismissal or adverse treatment as a reaction to complaints/legal proceedings, and instructions to discriminate. But if someone is bullied or victimised in the mistaken belief that he is a member of another religion, then he may also be protected under race discrimination laws. Outside the European Union, legislation against age discrimination is in place for example in the United States (Age Discrimination in Employment Act 1967), Canada (legislation in the 1960s), New Zealand (1993 Human Rights Act includes age discrimination), Australia (introduced in 1991-96), and South Africa In this study, examples of age discriminatory practices in

Second midterm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Second midterm - Essay Example ar II, which also gets described as the short American century, represented a period of continuous prosperity for the American government and its economy. The shift in the international economic order has led to the US citizens’ increasing sense of disempowerment. The changes witnessed in the classical world economy have decreased the US government’s effectiveness in managing its economy. The change from the Bretton woods based international economic system to a greater international economic integration based system has seen the US lose grip on it domestic economy. The Bretton wood’s system had contributed to the US leading the international economic order between the 1940s and 1970s. The Bretton wood’s system had allowed America to focus on the politics of its national security through the international economic integration it promoted. Through the Bretton wood’s system, the US spent less of its money in rebuilding the economies of Western Europe and Japan. The collapse of the Bretton Wood’s system meant that the US had to put preference in international markets over its domestic considerations of national security. The new contemporary international economic world order has seen countries such as China and Singapore also emerge as serious global economic powerhouses. With the new found international economic system, the relevance of the dollar has dwindled as each and every country strives to use their currency as a means of trade. The US massive foreign debt has inflicted heavily on the predominance held before by its dollar as an international currency. The contemporary international economy that took over the American led Bretton Wood’s system has also allowed for almost every country in the globe to engage in international trade, finance, and investment (Frieden 153). Under the previous classical economic order, only the US and its closest allies had control in setting up terms for international trade. The changing global environment created

Electronics Equipment Waste Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Electronics Equipment Waste - Essay Example 130 million mobile phones and an almost equal number of other electronic devices such as MP3 players and gaming consoles became obsolete in 2005. A report by Basal Action Network (BAN), a Seattle-based organization, states that 50-80% of the e-waste generated in the United States is transported to developing nations for disassembly and recycling with methods that are not acceptable in the United States standards (Herat, 2007). Very few people are aware that the electronic equipment contains more than 1000 harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, PCBS and other toxic substances that pollute air, soil and ground water (Baulch, 2002). Unawareness and negligence have been evident in many countries in the way people disassemble these electronic wastes in open spaces instead of disposing of them safely. However, at least some of the countries such as those in the European Union have recognized the potential harmful results of these improper disposal management practices, and these countries are in the process of implementing laws and policies that ensure safe disposal of e-waste (Canning, 2006; Ladou & Lovegrove, 2008). There have been extensive research and studies on various dimensions related to e-waste. The areas of study include but not limited to consequences for the environment and health, problems with improper disposal in and out of countries, need for regulations, and better management of e-waste materials. It is imperative to consider the health and environmental effects before discussing other issues because improper management of electronic waste leads to pollution of the air, soil and water. This has been observed in various studies. 2.1 Sources of E-waste According to UNEP's "E-waste Management (2006) there are three primary sources of e-waste: 1. Individual households and small businesses: White goods such as refrigerators and washing machines form the largest part of e-waste in terms of weight in households followed by television and personal computers (E-waste Management, 2006). 2. Large businesses, educational institutions and governments: Office devices such as photocopiers, fax machines, printers, and computers form the most part of e-waste from this category (E-waste Management, 2006). 3. Original equipment manufacturers: manufacturers generate e-waste at various levels and in different forms such as defective components or products of sub-optimal quality, waste along upstream supply chain, and waste from product recovery and refurbishing operations (E-waste Management, 2006). In 2000, of the 2,214,400 tons of generated e-waste, 859,000 were video products, 348,200 tons were audio products and 96,900 tons were information products (Kate, 2006). According to the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), starting from 2005, approximately 130

Sociodemographic Health Risks in Australia

Sociodemographic Health Risks in Australia Australians regard the country environment a better and safer option in terms of lifestyle and health then populated areas, such as cities and their surrounding neighborhoods (Humphreys Rolley 1991). Moving to rural areas for a much cleaner atmosphere and away from the congestion of traffic. Nevertheless families or individuals who built life for themselves in rural and remote Australia have many health disadvantages in their path, then civilization in city areas and its regions. This is proven statistically with evidence and research that mobility and mortality rates are much higher than those who live in urban areas due to some extensive diseases that can’t be further examined in rural areas to give a full diagnosis and asses their condition due to shortage of resources and medical equipment (Humphreys et al. 1997) . There are many factors that contribute to rural health disadvantages in different specifications in relation to his/her health. This essay will be looking into the four major factors that include, sociodemographics, health status, health risk factors, costs and use of health services. Sociodemographics refers to the variables within a society and its population in terms of race, gender, socio economic statuses and mainly the population’s social wellbeing in both rural and remote Australia. Socioeconomic disadvantages and demographics of the area and its population are major and important determinants of health (AIHW, 2012). It is important to realise the main indicators such as age, health statuses, rates of hospitalisation and mortality rates for rural populations of Australia are determined by certain demographics such as sex and population size, this process is essential to clarify different health statistics (AIHW, 1998a). These points are indications in relation to poorer health, adequate nutrition, better housing and having an education with transport (AIHW,1998), to support your travel needs wither health related or not. Privation of either of these necessities will result in dramatically poorer health. Keeping in mind that if sufficient nutrition is not reachable or used it will have an immediate effect on health status. Needs like education have more of an indirect effect on health (AIHW, 1998). For instance having no educational background can result in the lack of knowledge about certain health conditions like cancer, in rural Australia there are insufficient resources to determine and treat breast cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer which results from individuals smoking and affecting their health not being health conscious which greatly results in higher death rates (Mathers, 1994). The factors that contribute to the health of a population include social, economic, environmental and an array of lifestyle choices (AIHW, 2012). A number of factors are linked with livelihoods in rural Australia that subsequently affect health status. Factors that affect health status of given population in rural Australia include: employment, ethnicity, business grounds in rural areas other factors are from a demographic point of view looking at climate, geography, aging populations and retrieval of information in relation to health and disability (Frager et al, 1997), (AIHW,2012). These factors take different effects within rural and metropolitan Australia and may result in dissimilarities in the prevalence of an array of diseases and mortality rates (AIHW, 1998a). Australia’s indigenous population are facing poorer health then the overall Australian population. The effect is recognised by numerical categorisation of indigenous people in RRMA sub sections and by use of mort ality data collected and put in Australia’s institute of health and welfare database of mortality (AIHW, 2013). Mortality rates in capital cities was lower than those in rural and remote zones of Australia (AIHW, 1998a). There are different of health outcomes regularly used as indicators for given health populations (AIHW, 2012). Death rates, hospitalisation and cancer incidence rates are all a set of indicators for health status (AIHW, 1998a).   Health risks are the probable factors that decline the health of people from certain medical conditions or diseases. These comprise of certain factors such as their physical environment, pollutants, and communicable diseases, additionally the social environment plays an important part, family matters and disturbances (AIHW, 2003). These all result in the amplification of different diseases affecting people’s health (AIHW, 2013). Behavioral determinants such as inadequate exercise, smoking and reduction of daily activities are linked with increase in disease rates and other medical conditions. Living in rural Australia would be a negative outcome for most when asked simply by being away from health facilities, such as gyms occupying for exercise, doctor surgeries for quick treatment and having less produce stores to buy your five daily fruits and veg’s from for your daily intake. Risk factors are the probable outcomes of disease in people if there’s a link with th e medical condition and factor. Other risk factors for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease are very complicated to determine. Generally speaking there is not one specific cause to a diseases occurrence rate, there are several factors that need to be assessed before making any thorough diagnosis. Understanding certain aspects in risk factors both rural, regional and remote Australia is the key fundamental in going forward as a nation helping individuals in need. Costs and the utilization of health services across remote and rural Australia is a topic often brought up in the parliamentary senate of Australian states. The idea behind these parliamentary debates are to enhance and better the performance of Australia as a whole country by mending all those gaps that have been left such as expenditure and utilization of health services across rural and remote Australia. The government of Australia has said a lot and personally haven’t done anything to assist with introducing new health resources and supporting the coasts for medical equipment and building safer roads for rural and remote areas so individuals are less likely prone to an accident, therefore it builds better health measures and reduces mortality rates due to degrading the risk factors associated with it. Expenditure levels, amid regions are certainly related with changes in population’s growth size and composition (AIHW), (2011). A district or region with a greater pop ulation are highly likely to have immense total health expenditures then places with lower populations. The age structure of a given population in a specific location is a vital factor in health expenditure, (AIHW), (2011). Reason is due to older individuals and youngsters such as infants and toddlers require greater health diagnosis and care. In remote and rural Australia regions usually consist of younger group sectors in populations then older pupils, (AIHW), (2011). Health care facilities such as hospitals which are the main source of receiving health assessments from ED doctors or getting an x-ray for a broken leg. Procedures in hospitals are surgical and non-surgical whilst they require chemotherapy for cancer patients or even specialist checkups on your health condition to prevent it from actually getting worse. The remoteness of hospitals from rural and regional populations in Australia may impact their access to procedures, (AIHW), (2008). Levels of health expenditure are w idely affected by certain sub factors such as the degree of illnesses and diseases, population and government set out policies and grants alongside the price for these goods and services, (AIHW 2004). Inconclusion for the population of remote and rural Australia there are many positive attributes. In comparison to the National Health Survey they have gathered data that indicates Australians, regardless of their geographical region, have knowledge of certain preventative measures for a better health, and understand the requirement for exercise to keep fit physically and mentally, pap smear tests and protection from the sun by using certain moisturisers to help prevent melanoma or other skin cancers conditions (AIHW, 2011). In addition the health of populations in rural and remote zones of Australia is much poorer then individuals who live in metropolitan regions of Australia. In relation to their health conditions such as mortality as a result of injury obtained, certain heart conditions and diseases, homicide and suicide rates. Overall there are substantial health risks associated with living in remote and rural regions of Australia among them are pollution, road safety, available health facilities, and medical equipment with treatments. However there are positives for the populations of rural and remote zones such as having peace, costs are much lesser then urban areas, less crime and a safer environment with distance from noise. Reference list: Humphreys J/ Rolley F (1991). Health and health care in rural Australia. (Original work published 1991). Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442459022. Humphreys JS/Matthews-Cowey S/ Weinand (1997).Factors in accessibility of general practice in rural Australia. Australia: Author. (Original work published 1997). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (1998). the sixth biennial health report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.Australia’s health. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442459022. Abduljawad Raeiq Student Number Health Health Behaviour 130 Essay 17688257

Joshua Gaugler Essay -- essays research papers

The Concert of a Lifetime   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The concert has begun after a fifteen minute delay caused from the powder snow that started early on in the day and continued through the evening. There I stood up in front of the small crowd on this snowy Sunday evening. I glanced out upon the crowd as the piano picked up speed and intensity. I knew that I was about to strike that F chord in a few measures. I quickly removed the moisture from my fingers with the cloth I brought with me.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The band had a special meeting planned after we played the music for our church’s Thanksgiving Supper. We showed up to the church on a cold Saturday morning, making our way to the auditorium. We began to discuss the plans, ideas, or even the thoughts that we had for what we should do next. Dan, the first to talk whatever the occasion, said, â€Å"I think we should work on writing our own songs.† That idea was quickly reviewed and considered to be an option. I thought a little bit harder about what to do and suddenly it came to me. â€Å"We should have a Christmas concert. We can all pick out our favorite Christmas songs and perform them.† Now this was a first class idea.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Now the band had an idea, we had the backbone for our future, but we were still missing our guitar player; whose absence haunted us for the fourth week straight. We had to begin regardless of the scenario, and we began picking out songs, one by one. The most obvious ch...

Racial Ideology of Americas Essay

In the period from 1500 to 1830, racial stereotypes were prominent in the regions of Latin America/Caribbean and North America and they had a tremendous effect on society, especially societies with multiple ethnicities. The racial ideologies of these regions can be seen through the treatment of native peoples and the treatment of slaves. However, because of the strong influence of differing European nations,and their differing standards, contrasting societal effects can be seen. When the Europeans discovered and settled the â€Å"New World† and Latin America their ideology of European dominance and superiority had a direct effect on the natives of these regions. In North America, the Native Americans were often oppressed or forced to live on a confined piece of land. The Europeans would often devise treaties with the Native Americans on where there territorial boundaries were and where the settlers were not allowed to intrude. The European governments did not enforce this, so eventually all of these treaties were broken. This shows that the Europeans did not regard the natives claims to the land as legitimate and that they did not have any rights to the land. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the natives were enslaved and forced into servitude and labor. The dominant European racial ideology also fueled the slave trade in both North America and Latin America. The slave trade revolved around slave ships that would transport masses of Africans to the colonies to increase productions. The slave trade grew in the periods from 1500 to 1830 because slaves became cheaper to buy then hiring indentured servants who would work only a certain amount of years and then be free when their debt was paid off where as a slave is kept for life, unless they are sold. The slaves were bought, sold, and treated like property, not human beings. The colonists, were those who traveled from Europe to the Americas or those born in America who had come from European descent implemented the total colonization of North America and Latin America and the Caribbean. The colonies in North America were predominantly British and had a desire to become like their mother country. This united the colonists and so they did not discriminate against each other like they discriminated against the Native Americans and African slaves. This contrasts the predominantly Spanish dominated colonies because they had no sense of unity. The Spanish racial ideology prompted those in power, the royal sangres azules, and the commoners, translated into discrimination within the colonist populations. The colonists born in Spain were considered better than those who born in Americas, even if you came two fully Spanish parents. Those who were of â€Å"mixed blood† , who were children of native and Spanish parents were even lower.

Contexts that Motivate Learning

Motivational learning can be broken into four contexts. Those contexts are: Practical, Personal, Experiential, and Idealistic. First, the practical context of learning would be learning something because you know in advance it will benefit you. Second, the personal context of learning would be learning something because you want to do it for yourself to accomplish an important goal. Third, the experiential context of learning would be learning something because of past experiences. Finally, the idealistic context of learning would be learning something because you want to explore ideas, theories and concepts to experience the discovery of something new. There are four main contexts that motivate people to learn and everyone has their own reasons. Personal Context of Motivation I decided to return to school for personal reasons. Returning to school is something that I have thought of doing for a very long time. I guess you could just say that I have been very lazy and procrastinated for a long time. I tried to go to college right out of high school but it did not work out. I don’t think I was quite prepared to make that big step. I was headed down the wrong path and decided it was time to do something with my life. I knew it would help me to grow as a person. I now find myself in sort of the same situation. I’ve been a cashier for 18yr and now I work hard every day loading a Goodwill trailer to support my kids I know that without a collage education that most likely will not happen. I also want to be a positive influence to my children and show him how important education is. I want to be a good influence to my son and daughter but most of all I want to better myself as a person. Plus most of all I know in 4 to 5 yr. my fibromyalgia will not be getting any better. By that time my R. A. in my back will be getting bad, I still have 8 yrs. left to support my little girl. I know I can’t do it working on the back of the trailer but maybe be hide a desk for Goodwill I can as a human resource manager

How Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Came to Be

How Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Came to Be In reaction to an increase in the amount of cocaine being smuggled into the United States and cocaine addiction epidemic proportions in the 1980s, the U.S. Congress and many state legislatures adopted new laws that stiffened the penalties for anyone convicted of trafficking certain illegal drugs. These laws made jail terms mandatory for drug dealers and anyone in possession of certain amounts of illegal drugs. While many citizens support such laws many view them as inherently biased against African Americans. They see these laws as part of a system of systemic racism which oppresses people of color. One example of mandatory minimums being discriminatory was that possession  of powdered cocaine, a drug associated with white businessmen was sentenced  less harshly than crack cocaine which was more associated with African American men. History and the War on Drugs Mandatory drug sentencing laws came about in the 1980s in the height of the War on Drugs. The seizure of 3,906 pounds of cocaine, valued then at over $100 million wholesale, from a Miami International Airport hangar on March 9, 1982, brought about the publics awareness of the Medellin Cartel, Colombian drug traffickers working together,  and changed U.S. law enforcements approach towards the drug trade. The bust also sparked new life into the War on Drugs. Lawmakers began to vote more money for law enforcement and began to create stiffer penalties for not only drug dealers, but for drug users. Latest Developments In Mandatory Minimums More mandatory drug sentences are being proposed. Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), a proponent of mandatory sentencing, has introduced a bill to Congress called Defending Americas Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004. The bill is designed to increase mandatory sentences for specific drug offenses. It includes mandatory sentencing of 10 years to life in prison for any person age 21 or over who attempts or conspires to offer drugs (including marijuana) to someone younger than 18 years old. Anyone who has offered, solicited, enticed, persuaded, encouraged, induced, or coerces or possess a controlled substance, will be sentenced to a term not less than five years. This bill was never enacted.   Pros of Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Supporters of mandatory minimums view it as a way to deter drug distribution and use by extending the time that a criminal is incarcerated therefore preventing them from committing more drug-related crimes. One reason mandatory sentencing guidelines are established is to increase sentencing uniformity- to guarantee that defendants, who commit similar crimes and have similar criminal backgrounds, receive similar sentences. Mandatory guidelines for sentencing greatly curtail judges sentencing discretion. Without such mandatory sentencing, defendants in the past, guilty of virtually the same offenses under the same circumstances, have received vastly different sentences in the same jurisdiction, and in some cases from the same judge. Proponents argue that a lack of sentencing guidelines opens up the system to corruption. Cons of Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Opponents to the mandatory sentencing feel that such punishment is unjust and does not allow for flexibility in the judicial process of prosecuting and sentencing individuals. Other critics of mandatory sentencing feel that the money spent in longer incarceration has not been beneficial in the war against drugs and could be better spent on other programs designed to fight drug abuse. A study performed by the  Rand Company  said such sentences have proven to be ineffective in curtailing drug use or drug related crime. The bottom line is that only decision makers who are very myopic would find long sentences to be appealing, said study leader Jonathan Caulkins of Rands Drug Policy Research Center. The high cost of incarceration and the small results that it has shown in fighting the war on drugs, show that such money would be better spent on shorter sentencing and drug rehabilitation programs. Other opponents to mandatory sentencing include Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who in August 2003 in a speech to the American Bar Association, denounced minimum mandatory prison terms. In too many cases, mandatory minimum sentences are unwise and unjust, he said and encouraged the bar to be leaders in the search for justice in sentencing and in racial inequities. Dennis W. Archer, former Detroit mayor and Michigan Supreme Court Justice takes the position that it is time for America to stop getting tougher and start getting smarter against crime by reassessing mandatory sentencing and irrevocable prison terms. In an article posted on the ABA website, he states, The idea that Congress can dictate a one-size-fits-all sentencing scheme does not make sense. Judges need to have the discretion to weigh the specifics of the cases before them and determine an appropriate sentence. There is a reason we give judges a gavel, not a rubber stamp Where It Stands Because of cuts in many state budgets, and overcrowded prisons due to mandatory drug sentencing, lawmakers are facing a financial crisis. Many states have begun to use alternatives to imprisonment for drug offenders- usually called drug courts- in which defendants are sentenced into treatment programs, rather than jail. In states where these drug courts have been established, officials are finding this approach to be a more effective way of approaching the drug problem. Research shows that drug court alternatives are not only more cost-effective than prison sentences for defendants who commit non-violent crimes, they help reduce the rate of defendants who return to a life of crime after completing the program.

Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 13

Questions - Essay Example He also stated that the importance and allegation of myth depends on the investigation pertaining to a particular philosophy. In terms of philosophical investigations, Plato revealed that myths are considered to be full of errors. This is decided based on the type of myth and the philosophy in which it is being utilized. Phaedo, Plato’s innovative work describes about death and the myths that revolve around the concept of death. It also defines the opposites and their arguments which in turn emphasize on the fact that myths are considered to be a concept which relies on arguments and opposites. Acceptance of a philosophy or a theory and the knowledge of that theory depends on the reality. The theories must comply well with its existence even before it is perceived to become a reality. The special conditions and limits define the way in which a myth is understood and conceived. Metaphysics was named as Aristotle’s first philosophy and it described the universal principles and the existence of human beings. This theory emphasized on the wisdom and its nature and this was explained in a scientific manner. Aristotle aimed at rediscovering the scientific facts which is considered to be a turning point in the field of science. Even the existence of universe and humanity where explained in a different perspective. His opinion about was also different and he made it a point to explain them in each and every work of his. (Cohen, 2005). Myth donned a completely different role in Aristotle’s metaphysics. Though Aristotle was a follower of Plato, his opinion and judgment on myth was entirely different when compared to that of Plato’s. Aristotle’s idea of myth was considered to be harsh in most of his philosophies. But in certain situations, he appreciates the concept of myth and defines it in a cosmological and

Financial Statements for Harvey Norman Australia Essay

Financial Statements for Harvey Norman Australia - Essay Example Overall, Harvey Norman Australia produced profitable 2011 and 2010 business operations. A) Analysis the Company Liquidity Position: The liquidity ratios focus on the Harvey Norman Australia’s ability to pay its liabilities on time. A company is liquid if its current ratio is positive. The company’s liquidity ratio is favorable, if the quick ratio is also positive (Brigham, 2009). 1. Current Ratio. The current ratio is shows the relationship between the company’s current assets and current liabilities. A positive current ratio shows a favorable picture of the company. The current ratio is arrived at by dividing the current assets by the current liabilities (Morrell, 2007). On the other hand, a negative current ratio indicates that the company is not able to use its current assets to pay for its currently maturing liabilities on time. Table 1 shows the company’s 2011 current ratio is 1.82 times. The above computation shows that company’s 2011 current assets (1,433,227.00) is higher than the prior year’s current assets (1,254,100). Likewise, the company’s 2011 current liabilities (786,852.00) are higher than the 2010 current liabilities (669,328.00). The ratio shows that the company’s current assets are 1.82 times higher than the company’s current liabilities. ... 2. Quick Ratio. The quick ratio is shows the relationship between the company’s quick assets and current liabilities. The quick asset amount is arrived at by deducting the inventory amount from the total current asset amount. Similarly, a positive current ratio indicates a positive image of the company. The current ratio is generated by dividing the quick assets by the current liabilities (Smart, 2008). Table 2 espouses the company’s 2011 quick ratio is 6.33 times. The ratio shows that the company’s 2011 quick assets (1,291,009.00) are higher than the prior year’s quick assets (1,200,183.00). The ratio shows that the company’s quick assets are 6.33 times more than the company’s current liabilities. The company’s 2010 quick ratio (5.64) is lower than the 2011 quick ratio (6.33). Using the quick ratio financial statement analysis, the two quick ratios show the company performed financially better in 2011, when compared to 2010. The quick ratio similarly proves that the company has the available funds to defray its present liabilities. B) Activity Position: The activity ratios measure the efficiency and liquidity of Harvey Norman Australia’s management. The ratios include determining how fast the company converts cash into other assets and the other assets back into cash (Taylor, 2006). 1. Inventory Turnover Ratio. The ratio determines how fast inventory is sold. The ratio is arrived at by dividing the company’s cost of goods sold by the average inventory (Taylor, 2006). Table 3 confirms the company’s 2011 inventory turnover ratio is 11.52 times. The ratio analysis shows that the company’s 2011 cost of goods figure (1,129,517.00) is lower than the prior year’s cost of goods amount (1,344,455.00). The ratio also