Abstinence Only Education and Sex Education in the U.S.

When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in April 2012 that teen birth rates in the U.S. hit a new low in 2010 and revealed which states had the highest and lowest rates, it prompted a question: Were these outcomes affected by individual states requirements for sex education (sex ed) and/or abstinence-only education? That was soon answered by the Guttmacher Institutes State Policies in Brief paper on Sex and HIV Education in May 2012. The institute has kept the numbers constantly updated since as the trend of lowered teen birth rates has continued to drop nationwide. Required Sex and/or HIV Education Sex ed is mandated in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Of that total, the following 22 states and the District of Columbia mandate both sex ed and HIV education: CaliforniaDelawareGeorgiaHawaiiIowaKentuckyMaineMarylandMinnesotaMontanaNevadaNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaOhioOregonRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeUtahVermontWest Virginia Two states mandate sex ed only: MississippiNorth Dakota HIV education is mandated in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Of that total, 12 mandate only HIV education: AlabamaConnecticutIllinoisIndianaMichiganMissouriNew HampshireNew YorkOklahomaPennsylvaniaWashingtonWisconsin Must Include Contraception When sex ed is taught, some states have specific content requirements. In addition to the District of Columbia, 18 states require that information on contraception be provided when sex education is taught: AlabamaCaliforniaColoradoDelawareHawaiiIllinoisMaineMarylandNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaOregonRhode IslandSouth CarolinaVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia One state allows local schools to include contraception with the permission of the State Department of Education: Mississippi Must Include Abstinence When sex ed is taught, 37 states require that information on abstinence is provided. Of those, 26 states require that abstinence be stressed: AlabamaArizonaArkansasDelawareFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMaineMichiganMississippiMissouriNew JerseyNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasUtahWashingtonWisconsin These 11 states require only that abstinence is covered during sex education: CaliforniaColoradoHawaiiMarylandMinnesotaMontanaNew MexicoNorth DakotaVermontVirginiaWest Virginia No Mandate There are nine states with no sex education or HIV education mandate: ArizonaArkansasColoradoFloridaIdahoLouisianaMassachusettsTexasVirginia Five of the states listed above also rank among the top 12 states with the highest teenage birth rates, and four rank in the top 6 (ranking indicated in parentheses): Mississippi (1)Arkansas (3)Texas (4)Louisiana (6)Arizona (12) An earlier report issued by the Guttmacher Institute in September 2006 compiled teen pregnancy statistics state by state. Among the top 10 states with the highest rates of teen pregnancy among females age 15-19, five are states without mandated sex education or HIV education (ranking indicated in parentheses): Arizona (2)Mississippi (3)Texas (5)Florida (6)Arkansas (10) That same report ranked the top 10 states with the highest rates of live births among teenage girls age 15-19. Again, five are states that do not require sex ed to be taught in schools. If and when it is taught, these states do not require information on contraception be provided, but they do require that abstinence be stressed (ranking indicated in parentheses): Mississippi (1)Texas (2)Arizona (3)Arkansas (4)Louisiana (7) Only one state that does not mandate sex education or HIV education appears in the listing of states with the lowest teenage birth rates: Massachusetts ranked at number 2. Sources Guttmacher Institute, State Policies in Brief: Sex and HIV Education. Office of Adolescent Health, Trends in Teen Pregnancy and Childbearing

`` Fellow Travelers `` By John Wickham And Neil...

Control is the power to influence or to direct people’s behavior or the course of events. A prevalent fear in today’s society is losing control. Losing control can strike many people with extreme anxiety and worry. Authors John Wickham and Neil Bissoondath capture the struggle with human power through realistic characters and scenarios in fictional short stories â€Å"Fellow Travelers† and â€Å"Insecurity†. Throughout the narratives the reader can infer that the main characters in these fictional short stories struggle with not only human power but also with limits of individual control over time, space, and events within them. In John Wickham’s â€Å"Fellow Travelers†, three travelers come across difficulties when trying to travel from Barbados to Trinidad. The main character described as the chinless man battles control throughout the story. The chinless man, described as being bold and aggressive, is upset with the situation he has found himself in. His journey to Trinidad is delayed because of a faulty ticket. The disgruntled, chinless man dissatisfied storms up to the woman behind the counter and demands her to solve his problem. The chinless man â€Å"[speaks] with his hands as fluently as with his tongue and what eloquence he achieve[s] is due to his gesturing fingers and arms as to the validity of the particular he [is] presenting to the girl behind the counter† (Wickham 247). This quote illustrates that from the beginning, the chinless man feels powerless. He does not try to

Analysis Of The Cyber Security Industry Essay - 1514 Words

Analysis of the Cyber Security Industry Cyber security is a fast-growing industry. With more and more persons using connected devices as part of their daily lives, there is an increasing need for security. Not only are individuals in need of cyber security solutions but also corporations and governments are acutely aware of the dangers of hacking. As a result of the need, the cyber security industry is expected to reach $170 billion by 2020 (Morgan 2015). To understand this industry, it is important to know about firm strategy, technology, investment opportunities, supply networks, productions, markets, and government. This paper will present an analysis of these elements as they apply to the cyber security industry. Firm Strategy The entire cyber security industry is in a period of growth. As both corporations and private consumers are becoming aware of vulnerabilities with their online presence cyber security firms, have learned how to offer in-demand solutions for a wide variety of customers. Within the field of cyber security, there are several different types. These different types of services range from protection on the Internet of Things to producing devices to protected connected cars or phones. Each of these areas are expected to grow by the year 2020 with some being more in demand than others. In the article, â€Å"Cybersecurity Market Reacher $75 Billion in 2015, Expected to Reach $170 Billion by 2020,† Steve Morgan notes that, â€Å"the hot areas for growth are securityShow MoreRelatedA Report On Cyber Security Breaches1596 Words   |  7 PagesCyber security breaches have shown a spike in 2015, with large-scale compromises on companies like Target, Sony and Home Depot. There is a strong demand to deploy more robust cyber security tools to prevent future attacks. FireEye, a cyber-security firm, has started to fill the void and is reaping the rewards. Company Overview FireEye is an industry leader in total security threat protection. The organization has a unique set of security products which enable organizations to protect their onlineRead MoreThe Security Measures Protect The Digital Infrastructure1476 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction In an age where every sophisticated industry relies on computer systems and data centers for its operations, any kind of vulnerabilities in such system might provide an opportunity for exploitation to someone with an inappropriate intention. The constant threat of digital breach and exploitation gave birth to the field of Cyber Security, which is the field of technology dedicated to protecting computer devices and information systems from unintended or unauthorized access to the softwareRead MoreTechnological Innovations Are Transforming Almost All Industry1267 Words   |  6 PagesTechnological innovations are transforming almost all industry sectors today including insurance. The primary aim of insurance sector is profitable growth and the use of innovative technologies is one of the most effective ways to enable then achieve this goal. However, many insurance organizations are challenged to keep up with the rapid evolution of technology. Although new technologies are critical for businesses in insurance industry, implementing them require huge capital and resources. AccordingRead MoreAnalysis Of Cybersecurity Metrics As Well A Governmental Policy Framework Essay1677 Words   |  7 Pagesneeds. So this paper will include an analysis of cybersecurity metrics as well a governmental policy framework. I will discuss some cybersecurity strategies, frameworks, workplace threats caused by modern day technology, and at least one governments strategic prospective as it relates to their methodology of what a cybersecurity policy should be. The employees and organizations that have deeper-level information assurance policy compliance The healthcare industry is more likely to have a deeper-levelRead MoreInformation Technology Business Model Of The Organization1435 Words   |  6 PagesInformation technology business model of the organization The IT industry business models have changed a lot from past many decades, as compared to the traditional direct selling to providing a free platform and then drawing margin out of it. Historically, IT industry use to work on a model of direct selling, where the companies develop a software or hardware and either it is purchased by direct consumers or vendors, and or the same customers may undergo licensing or maintenance contract. One ofRead MoreThe Importance Of Decision Support Strategy1706 Words   |  7 PagesA few researchers also did research into having decision support approaches for cyber security investment. When investing in cyber security assets, information security administrators have to obey operational decision-making strategies. The researchers refer to this as â€Å"the cyber security investment challenge†. In this paper, they analyze three potential decision support methodologies that security managers can use to be able to perform this challenge. They con sidered methods based on game theoryRead MoreCyber Security Role For Homeland Security Intelligence1153 Words   |  5 Pagesshown major flaws within the intelligence community. Those events led the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and with it pooled federal agencies into in umbrella for it to be centralized in order to be effective. There are three categories in which the Homeland Security Intelligence face in the 21st century. Those categories are technological, political, and cyber security. In this day in age everything from critical infrastructure, government information to money is being digitalizedRead MoreCyber Security : A Strategic And Corporate Wide Security Program857 Words   |  4 PagesCyber Security Risk is around every corner when it comes to Cyber, today’s executives need to combine cyber risk management with the strategic business planning. We work with CEO’s, CFO’s and COO’s to provide the tools required to lead their company’s effort for cyber security and enable our clients solutions that will effectively meet the demands and gain insight into corporate risk and security controls through our Cyber Program Development Our Cyber Program Development offering helps organizationsRead MoreTop Three Trends in your profession and associated industry Annotated Bibliography1499 Words   |  6 PagesTrends in your profession and associated industry-Annotated Bibliography The top three trends in the Cyber Security field are salary, career advancement, and the need for predictions of the future in how information is exchanged. Cyber-crimes are becoming more popular and because of the many attacks that are happening much more frequently it has caused for a higher demand in cyber security professionals. Companies spend millions of dollars to correct security breaches within their organization. BackRead MoreCyber Security Operations Centre ( Csoc ) Investigates And Analysis Cyber Attacks On Uk Networks1212 Words   |  5 PagesCyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) investigates and analysis cyber-attacks on UK Networks and provide solutions and means to mitigate future attack. Its job is in cyber forensics and incident response while the Government Computer Emergency Response Team (GovCERT) deals with the public sector organisations on issues relating to computer security incidents, warnings, alerts, assistance and advice to prevent, reduce expose and mitigate attacks. The National Crime Agency formed in Oct 2013 to

Immigration Has An Immense Impact On Our Nation s History

Throughout American history, immigration has had an immense impact on our nation’s history. At some point in our lives, one of our ancestors immigrated to America. During the 19th century many Europeans came on a ship to Ellis Island in the hopes of having a better life in America. Nowadays people are crossing borders illegally, but the thing that hasn’t changed is the hope of a better life in America. People from different countries see America as the land of opportunity and are in search of the American dream. People save up all their money just to come and live here, knowing the consequences, and doing whatever it takes, whether it’s illegal or not. Some people think everyone who comes here illegally is a criminal or drug dealer; although they may be a criminal for breaking the law, they are all not bad. Some people take that risk just for a better life. I believe that the people who want to work here and do the right thing should be let into the country. My m other’s side of the family is mostly made up of people assimilating from Jamaica to America. They came here for a better life and wanted to be in a place where their children could have a better future. Most immigrants want that. American immigration history is always changing, but the one thing that has not changed over the years is the same dream. An article from The New York Times says that 11.3 million immigrants are here illegally, and the newest generations of immigrants are assimilating faster than before. AsShow MoreRelatedThe Official Definition Of Illegal Is â€Å"Contrary To Or Forbidden1517 Words   |  7 Pagesthat make it past the proclaimed law enforcement. Undocumented immigrants should not have the right to change their legal status because such lenience will encourage more illegal immigration. By having closed borders, The United States is not shutting out immigrants overall, but rather keep track of those who enter our country and make certain that they come here with a positive purpose and legally as well. America needs to have closed borders in order to ensure the safety of American citizens, preserveRead MoreMadie Majcher. Mrs.Shandera, Mr.Hill. English Pd.8 History1118 Words   |  5 PagesMajcher Mrs.Shandera, Mr.Hill English pd.8 History pd. 9 10th February 2017 Families could face the awful choice of going back as a group or separating and sacrificing one of their close ones. Such dilemmas we can imagine caused many of the three thousand suicides on the island (JNetwork Lobby for Catholic Social Justice). Thought to be a simple way of adjusting to everyday life and reacting to the challenges that come along with living, immigration is actually the cause of political disagreementsRead MoreGun Control And Border Security2025 Words   |  9 Pagesare two of the major problems Texas is facing these days. According to, â€Å"The Texas Political Project†, immigration is the top most problem Texas is facing today while border security is the second. This leads to an increase in other illegalities like drug trafficking, homicides, mafia wars etc. Premature birth, persistent extermination, and the death penalty are all ambiguous issues in today s general public. Gun control is one of the most convoluted and contentious issues in Texas today . The rightRead MorePositive Impact Of Christopher Columbus s Discoveries1247 Words   |  5 Pages Positive Impact of Christopher Columbus’s Discoveries The world is a better place because of Christopher Columbus’ important discoveries in the New World. His explorations resulted in the vast expansion of property for Europe, the exchange of goods and cultures between countries and a change in the worldview of geography. Columbus’s explorations were the catalyst for unprecedented trade known as the Columbian Exchange, which started the exchange of goods and ideas that would last for centuriesRead MorePositive Impact Of Christopher Columbus Discoveries1249 Words   |  5 PagesPositive Impact of Christopher Columbus’ Discoveries The world is a better place because of Christopher Columbus’ important discoveries in the New World. His explorations resulted in the vast expansion of property for Europe, the exchange of goods and cultures between countries and a change in the worldview of geography. Columbus’s explorations were the catalyst for unprecedented trade known as the Columbian Exchange, which started the exchange of goods and ideas that would last for centuriesRead MoreCanada is a country that is built on people that emigrated from different parts of the world. The2200 Words   |  9 Pagesdifferent parts of the world. The policy of multiculturalism in Canada was introduced during 1970’s to make sure people don’t feel obliged to get rid of their identity on entry to Canada (Howard, 1998, p. 133). Canada has a long history of how its immigration policies came to being. Canadian citizenship and began over a hundred years ago with all manners of racism and legal exclusions. Ho wever immigration and citizenship policies have since changed and somewhat upgraded since then, in 1982 CanadianRead MoreIllegal Immigration and the Effect on the Cj System5517 Words   |  23 Pages Illegal Immigration and the effect on the CJ system Name Institution Instructor Date Abstract America is perceived the world over as the â€Å"Promised Land† where everything is possible. This lucrative perception leads many immigrants to seek diverse ways to enter this vast land of promise, with the aim of living the American dream. Illegal immigrants are considered the medium behind some of criminal activities perpetuated in America. Their participation in suchRead MoreThe Legalization Of Illegal Immigrants3636 Words   |  15 PagesAmericans have the idea of illegal immigrants having a huge effect in the United States and giving an impact to political issues. Thousands of immigrants migrate to the United States yearly and increase the number of workers and consumers; giving U.S. Citizens a form of competition in employment. As of 2012, an estimated amount of 11.5 million immigrants have covered the entire United States population, giving a 59% illegally immigrants migrated from Mexico and a 25% from other countries. MexicansRead MoreSocial Stratification And Its Impact On Society Essay2094 Words   |  9 Pagesfrom stratification alone, but nations are also stratified in comparison to one another. Globalization aggravates the issue of stratification and creates larger rifts in race, class and gender statuses. Interdependence has led to competition between nations, growing gaps of upper and lower classes, negative race relations, and devaluation of women. Globalization and stratification are concepts that connect interactions among the people between and within nations. Globalization is the global integrationRead MoreThe Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down1779 Words   |  8 Pages 1997). Awareness regarding the disparities in culture and language of our patient with ours and how to address them should be taken into account when providing healthcare since the life of a human being is at stake. Reflection The book The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures was enthralling to me. Anne Fadiman described the Hmong people, their history, and their culture vividly. The book reflects the meticulous research of

Facing Past and Present Essay - 789 Words

â€Å"It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime† (Hosseini 52). Khaled Hosseini’s historical fiction novel, The Kite Runner, is a difficult adventure in Afghanistan about a boy and his friends childhood who made them who the adults they grew up to be. The adventure shows how Amir, the protagonist in the story, faces and endures rough times in his childhood, and how he wants to redeem himself from his past mistakes. Khaled Hosseini has a unique writing style in the first person point of view of Amir, which shows the rough journeys he experiences, and how he is motivated to please his father, which sets the theme of love of father and son, facing the past, and†¦show more content†¦Later on in the book, the time period changes to June of 2001. One of Amir’s friends wants to see him in Pakistan. Amir feels that he changed and wants to be his old self again. His friend, Rahim Khan gives him faith. â€Å"Come, there is a way to be good again† (Hosseini 192). When Amir lands in Pakistan, people are talking about how bad Afghanistan is. He will never forget the sights he saw of children smoking, drinking, and selling illegal things. â€Å"The Afghan town has the stench of rot, garbage, and feces† (Hosseini 196). In chapter sixteen through twenty, the author foreshadows Hassan’s death. Hassan does not celebrate when the other villagers are joyful. â€Å"God help the Hazaras now† (Hosseini 213). Hassan’s death impacts Amir greatly. Amir feels that he lost one of his best friends forever, but also feels guilty for wrongdoing him, and not apologizing for his ruthless behavior. In the end of the book, Amir does not receive the closure he would have liked to receive with his friends. He feels that he had not redeemed himself. Amir does however end the book with a little hope in mind. â€Å"Because when spring comes, it melts the sn ow one flake at a time, and maybe I just witnessed the first flake melting† (Hosseini 371). Furthermore, the point of view of the novel is told in the first person in the perspective of the main character Amir. The narrator shares his thoughts and reactions throughout the book and howShow MoreRelatedNostalgic Memories In Yusef Komunyakaas Facing It Essay1499 Words   |  6 PagesMemories In Facing It Just as farmers brand their livestock in order to claim them as their own, humans do the same when it comes to important events. There are certain moments in ones life when an incident is so powerful, emotionally or physically, that it leaves a mark on a person forever. The branded symbol that is left could be positive or negative, but there is no doubt that it has caused a wave of all-encompassing feeling. And although when looking back at the past the majorityRead MoreCorrections Trend873 Words   |  4 PagesUOP Corrections Trend Evaluation In this paper the objectives that will be addressed are past, present and future trends of corrections. Also, analyze current and future issues facing prisons and prison administrators as well as the roles and issues of alternate correction systems as a developing trend. In today’s society the jails and prison pretty much function with the same protocol. In the past the history of the State prisons began at the Walnut Street Jail in 1790, it was the actuallyRead MoreSummary Of The American Family By Stephanie Coontz908 Words   |  4 Pagesis a gift. That’s why it’s called the present†, by Alice Morse Earle. The world has become a place taken for granted. Humans are beginning to wish they could live in the past, while others just want to skip over to the future but what ever happened to living right now? Or living in the moment? In the story, â€Å"The American Family†, by Stephanie Coontz, she discusses why so many individuals believe American families are facing worse issues now than in the past. She discusses how in the previous yearsRead MoreWar : An Unavoidable, Haunting, And Educational Event1149 Words   |  5 PagesWar: An Unavoidable, Haunting, and Educational Event â€Å"In Flanders Fields,† by John McCrae, â€Å"In Time of War,† by W.H. Auden, and â€Å"Facing It,† by Yusef Komunyakaa all share a theme of war. The symbols and settings used in these poems illustrate the theme of war and its hardships clearly. Last, the authors all have biographical backgrounds surrounding past wars. The symbols used in all three of these poems closely relate to the idea of war. In â€Å"In Flanders Fields,† McCrae uses the symbols of crossesRead MoreResearch Supported Analyses of Poems1374 Words   |  6 Pagesrepresentation of the idea of being color blind, or seeing no race. A theme present in both â€Å"Ode to the Chameleon† and â€Å"Facing It† is to see and understand rather than to just look. He uses a metaphor as well as personification in lines 5-8 to highlight this message. He writes, â€Å"If nature is mind, / it knows you are always / true, daring the human eye / to see deeper† (5-8). The chameleon, or idea of racelessness, â€Å"dares† people to go past a person’s skin and see them for who they are. By merely reading, oneRead MoreEssay about An Analysis of Komanuyakaa Facing It1002 Words   |  5 Pages An Analysis of Facing It  Ã‚      Yusef Komanuyakaas poem Facing It is a brutal examination of the affects that war leaves upon men. The reader can assume that Komanuyakaa drew upon his own experiences in Vietnam, thereby making the poem a personal statement. However, the poem is also a universal and real description of the pain that comes about for a soldier when remembering the horror of war. He creates the poems persona by using flashbacks to the war, thereby informing the readerRead MoreCorrections Trend Evaluation Essay1338 Words   |  6 Pagesarise inside and outside of the facility. The subject to discuss is to evaluate the past, present, and future trends pertaining to the development and operation of institutional community based corrections. An identification and analysis of current and future issues facing prisons and prison administrators today and the role/issue of alternate correction systems as a developing trend will also be discussed. Past, Present, and Future Trends that Pertain to Institutional Community Based Corrections ThereRead MoreModern Day Society : The Legacies Of Historical Globalization1253 Words   |  6 Pagesis necessary to dwell on events of the past. Yet others say that it is the past, and our current society functions normally without it. While contemporary society does operate normally without dwelling, it is important to acknowledge legacies of historical globalization. Dwelling on the legacies of historical globalization can help us function better as people, it helps us realize that we are not perfect. First, people say events that happened in the past are still impacting us today. For exampleRead MoreCorrections Trends Evaluation Paper1552 Words   |  7 Pagesfacilities. Past, present, and future trends in regard to the development and operation of institutional and community-based corrections vary between states but corrections have grown immensely since the early 1800s and have continued to expand over time. Corrections are adamant to continue to expand into the future because crime is not slowing down so there will remain a strong need for corrections throughout society. The subject of this paper pertains to research of past, present, and futureRead MoreThe Kite Runner by by Khaled Hosseini: Blinded by Guilt795 Words   |  4 Pagescharacter through his resolutions to lifelong conflicts. The novel traces Amir’s mixed feelings of love and jealousy towards his best friend Hassan. Although they each came from different economic and social classes, they grew up in the same household facing hardships, resent, and deceit together. The two boys reach a turning point when the neighborhood bully savages Hassan while Amir watches and does nothing. The guilt for that betrayal will rule his life for the next 20 years. Through the use of metaphors

Cuba libre Essay Example For Students

Cuba libre Essay Theres only Spam with lima beans for dinner, and the little house in one of the crummier Miami suburbs is bare; but Olga and her daughter Barbara are fondling pearls, rubies and diamonds all thats left of their former lives. Castro may have taken away our business, our home, our church, our nuns and our priests, says Olga. But the jewelry we kept. Once Removed, at the Long Wharf Theatre through Jan. 3 under the direction of John Tillinger, is Eduardo Machados seriocomic look at a Cuban family in their first months of exile in America. Like the jewelry they keep locked away in a suitcase, mother and daughter also preserve shining hopes for a quick return to their homeland. The strangeness of early 1960s America, with its odd rituals like Halloween, as well as the harsh sweatshop demands put upon the once wealthy Cuban refugees, makes for a festering emotional crisis for Olga and her family. Emotionally autobiographical   Almost farcical in its opening scenes, Once Removed grows darker as Olga realizes that her husband Fernando actually prefers the challenge of his new American life. Then the family removes itself once more to Dallas, where Olgas feelings of isolation get worse. Not everyone adjusts well to America, observes Machado. In every Cuban family, theres always the one person who can and the person who cant. The play is Machados latestand, he adds, may well be his lastvariation on a theme of Cuban exile that he began with The Floating Island Plays quartet, surveying the shifting family fortunes of another extended clan from the 1920s through 1979. Like his other family sagas, Once Removed is linked to the playwrights own lifebut Machado insists the play is only emotionally autobiographical, not factual. Machado himself came to America at the age of eight and slept with his mothers own smuggled trove of jewelry under his pillow until she arrived, unwillingly, some months later. After more than 30 years in America, the playwright adds, she still wont speak English. Since Machado wrote the first draft in 1985 and subsequently saw its initial performances at New Mexico Repertory Theatre and the Magic Theater in San Francisco, Once Removed has gone through as many as 18 revisions. The story has remained much the same, since plot is rarely Machados greatest concern. Characters are the playwrights obsessionand finding the language that best expresses what characters feel in their souls. Just consider the yearning behind the displaced Olgas definition of the word country: The place where youre meant to wake up in. The place where your nature compliments the surroundings. Its your birthright. Your definition on earth. The landscape your eyes were trained to see. Maybe due to their soulful truths, some of Machados plays dont sit well with Latino audiences. They wont touch my stuff in Miami, the playwright remarks. His Broken Eggs, given a Spanish-language production by Repertorio Espanol in 1988, was a fiasco with Miami audiences, recalls Machado. Set at a disastrous wedding reception, with various Cuban generations shown mostly as unhappy and conflicted individuals, Broken Eggs left a nasty taste on some Latino palates. Obviously it touches strong chords, shrugs Machado, even though its meant to be just about what life was really like back then. No place like home Machados portrait of the unravelling Olga in Once Removed is similarly disturbing, even harrowing, as she secretively begins to stick pins in her flesh to make sure she never forgets Cuba. First drafted in a feverish week-long writing burst, Once Removed has been finished in a far more tranquil mood. I dont have any more overwhelming anger to express, Machado decides. Im finally just really into writingwhich is a great place to be in. Other recently completed plays bear few traces of his Cuban heritage. Stevie Wants to Play the Blues centers upon a woman who masquerades as a man to join a hot jazz combo of the 1940s. Across a Crowded Room is a comedy about the disenchanted daughter of a famous composer (Its set in the 30s, like Private Lives, notes Machado, and its madcap.). His latest play Breathing It In, studies cultish psychoanalysis. .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf , .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .postImageUrl , .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf , .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:hover , .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:visited , .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:active { border:0!important; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:active , .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u41d4754c0d0955ed1c971702f17776bf:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Lights! Candelabras! Liberace! EssayWith Once Removed, Machado feels that he has concluded his writings about the Cuban experience. Unless I go back to Cuba and want to write a play about that, I think that this is the last one, says Machado, who sees Cuba opening up again to its exiles in the next few years. He adds that his mother might even get the Cuban homecoming denied to Olga in Once Removed. Its still her dream. When I visited her in California the last time, she said, I told your father that he paid for my ticket here and he better pay for my ticket back!'

Criminal Trials Essay Example For Students

Criminal Trials Essay One of the most vaguely understood events in the United States is themodern criminal trial. Most people have a faint knowledge of the goings-onof criminal proceedings, mainly due to what is seen on television, but theperson who knows the real course of a trial is rare. However, there isnothing mysterious about the events that determine criminal guilt. Trialsare carefully orchestrated, following procedures that have been laid inlegal concrete over the years, and generally follow the same basic formatacross the United States. Criminal law is distinguishable from civil law in the aspect thatcriminal acts are officially considered to injure not only individuals, butsociety as a whole. This is the reason why criminal cases are described asstate v. offender. The state, as the injured party, is taking thedefendant to court (Schmalleger 64). The purpose of a criminal trial is todetermine if the offender is legally guilty of the crime, but this does notnecessarily mean that the person in question committed the crime. Asopposed to factual guilt (the person did it), legal guilt merely meansthat a jury of the defendants peers is convinced without reasonable doubt. As can be seen, this leaves room for possible discrepancies (Schmalleger198). Before a trial can proceed, certain events must take place. Thefirst is the arraignment of the defendant, which can happen anytime betweenarrest and a logical, non-specific time before the trial itself. Arraignment consists of the court reading to the defendant the substance ofthe charge, and calls on the subject to enter a plea within a given time(Tull 1). The defendant may consult with and be advised by an attorney on whatplea to offer the court. He may plead guilty or no contest (nolocontendere), in which case a trial does not occur and the subject goesdirectly to a sentencing hearing (Tull 1), or he may plead not guilty, andtrial preparations will proceed. In very rare cases the defendant will notenter a plea, and is said to stand mute (Schmalleger 189). Directlyafter entering a plea of not guilty, the defendant must decide on one, ifany, of many courses of defense to follow. A plea of guilty or no contestthat is withdrawn by the defendant cannot be used as evidence against thedefendant (Tull 3). One of the most popular defenses is the alibi defense. This courseof action holds that the defendant was at another location at the time ofthe offense, and therefore could not possibly have committed the crime. Ifan alibi is to be offered, the defendant has a court-appointed time inwhich he must declare his intentions. The attorney for the state will senda notice describing the time, date, and place of the offense, and thedefendant must refute this information. If the defendant issues notice ofalibi but then withdraws the claim, this information cannot be held againsthim later in court (Tull 5). Another popular defense is the insanity defense. The courtdefinition holds that a person should not be guilty if they did not knowwhat they were doing, did not know that what they were doing was wrong, orif their actions were the result of a mental disease or defect(Schmalleger 75). This obviously covers a lot of area, which is part ofthe reason for its popularity. If the defendant plans to claim insanity,he must notify, in writing, the states attorney of his intentions, andalso file a copy with the court clerk. Failure to follow these guidelinesresults in the disallowance of the insanity claim. A withdrawn claim ofinsanity is not admissible as evidence against the defendant (Tull 5). There are many other defenses, divided into three categories, thatare much less common than alibi and insanity. The first of thesecategories is designated other defenses. The following are examples ofthese. Temporary Insanity implies that the defendant was only insane atthe time of the offense, and was once a very popular defense, as thedefendant usually got off scot-free. However, due to recentrestrictions, it has lost its appeal. Guilty but Insane, a defense thatis all but extinct, resulted in a stiff penalty, but mandatorypsychotherapy was included in any sentence. Involuntary Drunkenness,holding that the defendant was intoxicated against his will, is rarelyused, although it has resulted in a number of successes in court. Unconsciousness is even more rare of a defense, and is used if thedefendant committed a crime while sleepwalking, having a seizure etc. AChemical Imbalance defense is used if the defendants actions wereinfluenced by the consumption of food products or stimulants, including butnot limited to sugar, nicotine, and caffeine. Premenstrual StressSyndrome, or PMS, is a very new defense and not yet even officiallyacceptable. However, it has been successfully used in Virginia(Schmalleger 77-79). The second group of defenses is labeled special defenses. One thatis fairly commonly used is Self Defense, holding that the defendantcommitted the crime in self-defense to avoid physical harm. Duress, onthe other hand, is not common, and is used when the defendant claims tohave committed a crime in order to alleviate a prior wrongdoing againsthim. The Entrapment defense has become the subject of media attention,since its implications are a bit sinister. It is implied that lawenforcement officers have created a crime solely for the purpose ofprosecuting the defendant. In the case of an Accident defense, theoffense is said to have been purely accidental on the part of thedefendant. Mistake says that the defendant committed an unwitting crimedue to outside forces that precipitated the actual offense. A defense ofNecessity is rare, and is only used when the survival of the defendantwas at stake. It is only truly useful if no serious harm was done. Recommendation For Recycling Water in Florida EssayThere are several types of testimony that are inadmissible asevidence. Hearsay evidence is described as what a witness heard fromanother person, rather than what he saw or experienced firsthand (Zerman71). Allowances, however, can be given under certain circumstances. Oneis the dying declaration, which is a statement made by a person who isabout to die. A second instance is that of the spontaneous statement,which is made by a person in the heat of excitement without time forfabrication (Schmalleger 212). Irrelevant or immaterial evidence istestimony that goes beyond or misses the point of the question asked, andstatements of opinion show only what a witness thinks, rather than what heknows (Zerman 71). Physical evidence, if any, is brought forth during witness testimony. There are two classes of evidence: direct and circumstantial. Directevidence, if believed, proves a fact without opinionation. It can betestimonial, which is the aforementioned witness testimony, or it can bephysical (Schmalleger 207). There are three kinds of physical evidence. Documents are anything written or typed, objects are weapons, clothing, andthe like, and copies and reproductions include photographs and recordings(Zerman 72). Physical evidence is only subject to challenge on grounds ofauthenticity or manner in which it was obtained (Zerman 72). Circumstantial evidence, however, requires inference and drawnconclusions. It is often enough to convict anyway (Schmalleger 207). After all witnesses and evidence have been shown, the attorneys giveclosing arguments, also called summations. Closing arguments are directattacks on the opposing sides weaknesses. They provide review andanalysis of evidence. Testimony, exhibits, and inconsistencies in theopposition will be pointed out (Schmalleger 212). Many good defenseattorneys are effective showmen. They try to play on the feelings of thejurors during this crucial point of the trial. The argument is oftenemotional and poetry or verse is sometimes used. The prosecution, however,is only likely to use one emotion: outrage at the defendant (Zerman 89). The situation during summations is favorable to the prosecution, who, inthe vast majority of instances, opens the argument (Tull 18). After arebuttal by the defense, the prosecution then has an opportunity forcounter-rebuttal. In any case, the prosecution is always given the lastword in closing arguments (Zerman 91). After summations, the judge gives his charge to the jury. He callson the jury to retire and select one of their number as the foreman, anddeliberate upon the evidence that has been presented until a verdict hasbeen reached (Schmalleger 213). He also summarizes all testimony, makescomments, and gives guidance. It is often considered the single mostimportant statement made during a trial (Zerman 94). Once the jury leaves the courtroom for deliberations, they immediatelychoose a foreman, whose job it will be to deliver the final verdict. Thejury may deliberate for hours, days, or weeks, and may examine evidence,review testimony, analyze the judges charge, discuss, argue, and negotiate(Zerman 13). Disagreements emerge early, but the majority almost alwayswins. Surprisingly, immediate unanimous decisions are not uncommon theyaccount for about 31 percent of all verdicts (Zerman 106). Mostjurisdictions require a unanimous decision, although the United StatesSupreme Court has ruled that only capital cases must warrant a unanimousverdict. Jurors are not allowed to discuss the case with relatives, friends, oreach other until the proper time, because it is known that thinking isaffected by the influence of others. Scientific studies have shown thatpeople instinctively and subconsciously want to be with the majority, andbecause of this, are not likely to hold out in an argument against the restof the jury. Duringdeliberations, if the case is important enough and the judge believes thereis risk of the jury being influenced by outside sources, he may sequesterjurors, putting them in a hotel with little contact with the outside world. Even newspapers and television may be censored. Telephone calls are shortand monitored, and windows are usually covered over so as not to let thejurors see anything that may influence their thoughts (Zerman 58). Deliberations will ultimately end in either a verdict or a hungjury. In a hung jury, the members debate, argue, plead, and finallyadmit defeat, not being able to agree on a verdict. Hung juries areusually just replaced, but sometimes the trial is stopped, and the time andmoney involved, which is sometimes quite substantial, is wasted (Zerman101). But a verdict is reached successfully 99 percent of the time. Thejury, led by the foreman, gives the verdict to the judge in open court(Tull 19). If the verdict is guilty, the defense attorney may choose topoll the jury. He asks each juror his personal opinion, and in a fewcases, a jurors doubts re-emerge to cancel the verdict. This rarelyhappens, but if it does the result is a victory for the defense (Zerman167). A criminal trial is a complicated but closely choreographed event. Almost nothing happens without proper precedent, and even the mostfactually guilty defendant can be sure of having at least a small chance ofgetting off the hook. The unbiased trial is a constitutional institutionthat may not always make sense to the average person, but that reflects thevalue of justice in American society.