Members of the House of Representatives

There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. Federal law, passed on Aug. 8, 1911, determines how many members are in the House of Representatives. That measure raised the number of representatives to 435 from 391 because of population growth in the United States.   The first House of Representatives in 1789 had only 65 members. The number of seats in the House was expanded to 105 members after the 1790 Census, and then to 142 members after the 1800 headcount. The law that set the current number of seats at 435 took effect in 1913. But it isnt the reason the number of representatives has been stuck there. Why There Are 435 Members   Theres really nothing special about that number. Congress regularly increased the number of seats in the House based on the nations population growth from 1790 to 1913, and 435 is the most recent count. The number of seats in the House has not been increased in more than a century, though, even though every 10 years the census shows the population of the United States grows. Why the Number of House Members Hasnt Changed Since 1913 There are still 435 members of the House of Representatives a century later because of the  Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929, which set that number in stone. The Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 was the result of a battle between rural and urban areas of the United States following the 1920 Census. The formula for distributing seats in the House based on population favored urbanized states and penalized smaller rural states at the time, and Congress could not agree on a reapportionment plan. After the 1910 census, when the House grew from 391 members to 433 (two more were added later when Arizona and New Mexico became states), the growth stopped. That’s because the 1920 census indicated that the majority of Americans were concentrating in cities, and nativists, worried about of the power of foreigners, blocked efforts to give them more representatives, wrote Dalton Conley, a professor of sociology, medicine and public policy at New York University, and Jacqueline Stevens, a professor of political science at Northwestern University. So, instead, Congress passed the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 and sealed the number of House members at the level established after the 1910 census, 435. Number of House Members Per State Unlike the U.S. Senate, which consists of two members from each state, the geographic makeup of the House is determined by the population of each state. The only stipulation spelled out in the U.S. Constitution comes in Article I, Section 2, which guarantees each state, territory or district at least one representative. The Constitution also states that there can be no more than one representative in the House for every 30,000 citizens. The number of representatives each state gets in the House of Representatives is based on population. That process, known as reapportionment, occurs every 10 years after the decennial population count conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. U.S. Rep. William B. Bankhead of Alabama, an opponent of the legislation, called the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 an abdication and surrender of vital fundamental powers. One of the functions of Congress, which created the census, was to adjust the number of seats in Congress to reflect the number of people living in the United States, he said. Arguments for Expanding the Number of House Members Advocates  for increasing the number of seats in the House say such a move would increase the quality of representation by reducing the number of constituents each lawmaker represents. Each House member now represents about 700,000 people. The group ThirtyThousand.org argues that the framers of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights never intended for the population of each congressional district to exceed 50,000 or 60,000. The principle of proportionally equitable representation has been abandoned, the group argues. Another argument for increasing the size of the House is that is would diminish the influence of lobbyists. That line of reasoning assumes that lawmakers would be more closely connected to their constituents and therefore less likely to listen to special interests. Arguments Against Expanding the Number of House Members Advocates for shrinking the size of the House of Representatives often argue that the quality of legislating improves because House members would get to know each other on a more personal level. They also cite the cost of paying for salaries, benefits, and travel for not only the lawmakers but their staffs.

Ancient Aliens Essay examples - 1235 Words

There is a popular belief that aliens walked the Earth in ancient times, and these theories have created quite a stir in the scientific community. Ancient alien theorists, like Erich von Daniken and Zecharia Sitchin, believe that extraterrestrials came to earth thousands of years ago. Some hypothesize that ancient aliens are responsible for ancient technological wonders, and that they helped to shape human civilization. Furthermore, the belief that ancient gods were in fact aliens, misinterpreted as gods by the ancient people. As it turns out, there is quite a bit of evidence to support some of these ancient alien theories. However, it is all subject to interpretation, as it has not been validated. Evidence used to support the ancient†¦show more content†¦Erich Von Daniken’s theories have been rejected by the scientific community, and some of his early claims have even been proven fraudulent. However, Von Daniken continues on his quest to prove his theories, and dur ing an interview with Florida Today he said, â€Å"Even if someone could find an object definitely not of this planet, and they could give it to the scientific communities, Im sure it would take much too long for this society to accept that something extraterrestrial exists. I have started something. There are 56 million copies of my books worldwide. But now it is not just Erich Von Daniken. It is others, many others, as well. You cannot kill the idea anymore, never.† Zecharia Sitchin is the author of fourteen works that reference his ancient alien hypothesis. His theories are based on translations of ancient Sumerian texts, and according to him, coincide with many other biblical texts. Sitchin theorizes that there was once another planet in our solar system called Nibiru, which he wrote about in his book The 12th Planet. He believed that Nibiru was the home of an advanced civilization, which the Sumerians called the Annunaki, and are referred to as the Nephilum in the Book of Genesis. According to Sitchin, the Annunaki came to earth to mine for gold and other minerals some 450,000 years ago, and genetically engineered the human race as slaves. Sitchin’s theories have been widely criticized; some arguing that he is unable to separate fact fromShow MoreRelatedAncient Aliens and Ancient Astronaut Theory1672 Words   |  7 PagesAncient Aliens and Ancient Astronaut Theory Mark P. Robertson Educational Planning Course â€Å"Critical Issue Project† Empire State College Mary Ellen Shaughnessy June 17, 2011 There has been a lot of commotion lately between both the scientific and religious communities in regards to this topic. The claims of Intelligent Extraterrestrial Life visiting the Earth in ancient times and profoundly affecting the development of Human civilization, isRead MoreA Psychoanalysis on Ridley Scott’s Alien†1443 Words   |  6 PagesA Psychoanalysis on Ridley Scott’s Alien In 1923 Sigmund Freud noticed the clash within thought and mental processes which led him to identify three parts of our psyche. He referred to these as the Id, Ego and the Superego. The Id is ‘the primitive, unconscious basis of the psyche, dominated by primary urges’ *. It comes from the initial instinct to satisfy our needs and desires what can be known as the pleasure principle. The uncontrollable repressed part of our psyche, for example a newborn childRead MoreIllegal Immigration598 Words   |  3 Pagesl ARTICLE ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION Migration has always represented an important factor in society’s development. Ever since ancient times, people have been travelling around the world, some staying only for a while, some choosing to set (A SE STABILI) in certain areas, getting married and starting a family with a local partner. Consequently, cultures and languages mixed and this is how powerful nations like England, The USA, Germany were born. This phenomenon of migration also takes place nowadaysRead MoreThe Issue Of Illegal Immigrants2135 Words   |  9 Pagesmany now that it is almost impossible for them all to get that help. And then there is the problem of the criminal offenders and how to weed them out. Another argument often used is the comparison of immigration of these people to the people of ancient Israel and their immigration. But they are quite different because the people in Israel were non-Israelites who were allowed to stay in Israel if they followed Israel’s rules and they were not allowed to vote or partake of societal benefits. We couldRead MoreEssay on A Conspiracy Phenomenon: Alien Abductions in the U.S.2997 Words   |  12 PagesAlien abduction stories have always held a strong interest among people all over the world, captivating our attention and curiosity as they propose yet another unsolved mystery of gigantic proportions and unthinkable consequences for humanity to contemplate. More so in modern times, and especially in the western world, where the media is a more significant part of culture, many science fiction novelists and screen writers brought out the issue to the public in the form of entertainment. This, dueRead More The Mass Media and the Futile Search for Extraterrestrial Life3658 Words   |  15 Pagesmedia loves to play with the minds of viewers, making them believe in something which realistically is probably untrue. The early history of extraterrestrial life traces back to the 1940s and 1950s. Stories of alien abduction sprang up everywhere becoming a general trend. At the time, alien abduction was defined as the forced removal of a person from his /her physical location to another place. It may include an altered state of awareness for the purpose of physical, surgical or psychological proceduresRead MoreAliens Built the Pyramids713 Words   |  3 PagesAliens built the Egyptian pyramids. Recent research supports the theory that the Pyramids were built long before humans inhabited the area now known as Egypt. It is also nearly impossible for the Egyptians to have lifted and moved the limestone brick used to build these massive structures. Only a more advanced form of life could have constructed such an enormous undertaking, while using advanced mathematics and geography that were not yet known to ancient peoples. Archeologists suggest thatRead MoreThe Divine Number696 Words   |  3 PagesAmong all religions, all nations, and all cultures, one unique character is shared. Whether it be engraved within the ancient grounds of Ireland, where tombs are covered in trinomial swirls, or the works of the famous mathematician Pythagoras, who discovered the most simple and most perfect complete polygon, the number three is used everywhere. The importance of this digit can be found in many places, including our religious beliefs, our world’s history, and even in modern day mysteries. EveryoneRead MoreAre Aliens Visited The Earth?953 Words   |  4 PagesHave Aliens Visited the Earth? Have alien beings been visiting our planet for thousands of years? There are many skeptics out there who would say no, but if one was to look more closely at history how else would they explain some of it s weird mysteries. There are ancient drawling, paintings, carvings and other records recording strange beings from space visiting Earth thousands of years ago. In the 1880s there were reports of strange airships flying in the sky before planes wereRead MoreAliens Built the Pyramids723 Words   |  3 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Aliens built the Egyptian pyramids. Recent research supports the theory that the Pyramids were built long before humans inhabited the area now known as Egypt. It is also nearly impossible for the Egyptians to have lifted and moved the limestone brick used to build these massive structures. Only a more advanced form of life could have constructed such an enormous undertaking, while using advanced mathematics and geography that were not yet k nown to ancient peoples. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Archeologists

Better Help For Smokers To Quit Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Better Help For Smokers To Quit. Answer: Health studies: Better Help for Smokers to Quit Smoking is an addictive act and it is one of the largest causes of preventable deaths in New Zealand. Smoking affects both the smokers and those who surround them also known as the passive smokers. Smoking, however, has affected the quality life of individuals leading to the death of approximately 5000 people every year. Smoking increases the chances of developing chronic diseases such as heart diseases and lung infections, tuberculosis, and also cancer. And this, on the other hand, has led to the increase of funds that the government is spending on health care. According to Ministry of health statistics, 65 % of smokers in New Zealand wish they did not start smoking while 60% have tried to quit smoking but failed (Carr, 2004). The government of New Zealand is tremendously working hard to ensure that smokers either quit or reduce their smoking habits as a way of improving their health and wellbeing. The government introduced the health initiative of Better Help for Smokers to Quit in 2009 as an indication of its commitment to help to have a free smoking environment. The government also ensured that 80% of the individuals who visit the healthcare institutions and identified as smokers will have free treatment and necessary information to help them in their recovery (Crisp et al, 2012). 95% of the smokers who are hospitalized receive adequate medication and treatment and support from the government throughout their treatment to help them stop the smoking habit. The success of this approach is extended to primary health care whereby individuals who visit the hospitals are given support and advice that would help understand the effects of smoking and the importance of stopping smoking. The initiative is directed to achieving its goals as of 2011. The effort of the government adds up to the efforts to improve the availability of therapies that support the cessation of smoking. The practice is important because it is encouraging and most of the smokers have either reduced or even quite the habit. Smokers who are managing their habits or who have quit smoking have a low risk of getting chronic diseases and even premature deaths. This proposal is important because there is strong evidence that just a simple advice from health professionals is effective in encouraging individuals to quit smoking. According to the researcher (Tappin, 2005), one in every 40 smokers will make an attempt to quit after receiving advice from professionals. Most smokers always wish to quite but they dont know how to, but a single advice from these practitioners could help them make a U-turn and quit their smoking habits. Background This proposal targets smokers and offers them alternative or rather remedies that can help them manage their smoking habit and eventually quit in order to reduce the premature mortality rate. The initiative is also meant to help reduce the number of chronic diseases that are likely to affect smokers. The doctors, nurses and other health professionals are to make it a routine to ask the people whether they smoke (Hammond al, 2004). The government in association with Ministry of Health has introduced the initiative as a way of improving health care among the young people and the old within New Zealand and the citizens of Bay of Plenty in ensuring that they are free from diseases associated with smoking (Acton, 2012). The health professionals also provide cessation treatment to smokers who wish to stop smoking and a follow up on the individuals to ensure that they get any assistance that they may need. The smokers who are already registered in the system have different dates that they n eed to check up in the hospitals so that the professionals can check on their progress and give them a way forward. The doctors will also ensure that they engage the smokers in healthy practices that will help them lack the chance of smoking and introduce them to other activities to keep them busy hence reducing their chances of smoking (Miller Sedivy, 2009). The health initiative is an important step by the government in improving the healthcare of smokers and their families and this in return is an achievement to the whole community and also as a country. The initiative is meant to better the lives of the citizens of New Zealand to improve their level of productivity as individuals in the society. According to (Fagerstrm et al, 2006) the lives of the individuals who smoke is important as well and helping them to stop smoking is something vital. This initiative should be able to help save the lives of more than 4000 people who die annually due to smoking-related complications (Rollnick et al, 2008). In order for the initiative to be achieved, holistic approach is important, because affecting change involves the whole community and therefore, a public awareness campaign is important to spreading information across the board to make sure that all citizens are aware of the initiative. However, the widespread intervention of the quit smoking initiative has increased the number of the individual seeking intervention from 0 to 83 (B. P. U. 2015). The initiative will help improve the lives of those affected and hence improve their family life styles. Proposal Details The proposal is a long-term process that expects to achieve its short-term and long-term goals within its time frame. The purpose of the initiative however, is to help improve the healthcare and wellbeing of the citizens of NZ and Bay of Plenty by ensuring that those identified as smokers are encouraged to quit smoking and treated or advised accordingly. The data below compares Bay of Plenty (BOP) and New Zealand (NZ) popularity rates of smoking in different age groups as per the census (2013). AGE BOP NZ 15-19 13.4% 10.4% 20-24 28.5% 21.4% 25-29 27.3% 19.3% 30-34 23.9% 19.3% 35-39 21.4% 17.8% 40-44 21.2% 18.1% 45-49 19.7% 17.0% 50-54 19.2% 17.0% 55-59 15.6% 14.5% 60-64 11.8% 11.7% 65-69 9.5% 9.8% 70-74 6.3% 7.0% 75-79 4.6% 4.9% 80-84 2.8% 3.5% 85+ 1.9% 2.2% This data clearly indicates the rate of smoking in BOP compared to NZ, according to the above data, the rate of smoking in the Bay of Plenty is relatively high compared to that of NZ. Tobacco Control Action Plan 2015-2018, is an extensive action for the Better Help for Smokers to Quit. This Action Plan is directed specifically to the Maori and the Pacific who forms up the BOP because of their high rate of smoking which is a threat to their wellbeing and health. It is identified that the high rates of smoking among the BOP has put them at risk of chronic diseases, for example, cancer among others. Smoking in BOP is spread the entire way from an early age of 15 all the way to 85 years plus. Smoking-related diseases cost a lot to the government (Lancaster, 2000). Better Help for Smoker to Quite is an initiative that is put in place to help reduce the costs that the government spends on treating these ailments. The initiative includes giving the healthcare staff questionnaires to help in identifying the smokers and finding a way to help them reduce their smoking habits and even quit. This system helps in creating a conducive environment for individuals and the medical personnel. The initiative is based on motivation and providing a solution to the target group during their visit to the health cares. This is a free service offered to all the patients who visit the health care and identify themselves as smokers. The healthcare and their entire staff are the major drivers of the campaign to promote a free smoking environment in the NZ but especially within the BOP (Tong et al, 2006). The initiative has so far achieved its primary target, and its currently on the secondary target which is on a weekly monitoring by the Ministry. The hospital has mobilized resources for the staff, midwives, and patients to ensure that they both achieve the goals of developing a free smoking society. According to the data provided by the Ministry of Health, the number of patients receiving advice and treatment has increased and this will increase the number of individuals who quit the practice. The action will help ensure that the practice upon the women smokers is stopped completely. Conclusion Smoking has led to a high rate of mortality among the people of New Zealand and especially those from BOP. The initiative has positively helped a couple of people either to manage or even stop smoking completely. However, according to the Ministry of health, the initiative is ongoing and there are different strategic plans and actions that are included in the initiative to make sure that the initiative achieves its course in reducing the rates of smokers and encouraging an environment that is a free smoking zone. This has also helped in reducing the risks of contracting chronic diseases among the smokers which could lead to mortality among the young and the old. The government has been and still is very optimistic about reducing the rates of smoking by putting all measures in place for example adequate resources to encourage the initiative to achieve its course. References Acton, Q. A. (2012). Chronic periodontitis: New insights for the healthcare professional.Atlanta: Scholarly Editions(2015). New Zealand investment and business guide: Strategic and practical information. Place of publication not identified: Intl Business Pubns Usa. Crisp, J., Taylor, C., Douglas, C., Rebeiro, G. (2012). Potter Perry's Fundamentals of Nursing - AUS Version. London: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC. Carr, A. (2004). The easy way to stop smoking. New York: Sterling. Fagerstrm, K. O., Kunze, M., Schoberberger, R., Breslau, N., Hughes, J. R., Hurt, R. D., Zato?ski, W. (2006). Nicotine dependence versus smoking prevalence: comparisons among countries and categories of smokers. Tobacco control, 5(1), 52-56. Hammond, D., McDonald, P. W., Fong, G. T., Borland, R. (2004). Do smokers know how to quit? Knowledge and perceived effectiveness of cessation assistance as predictors of cessation behaviour. Addiction, 99(8), 1042-1048. LaCroix, A. Z., Omenn, G. S. (2002). Older adults and smoking. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 8(1), 69-87. Lancaster, T., Stead, L., Silagy, C., Sowden, A. (2000). Regular review: Effectiveness of interventions to help people stop smoking: findings from the Cochrane Library. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 321(7257), 355. Miller, C. L., Sedivy, V. (2009). Using a quitline plus low-cost nicotine replacement therapy to help disadvantaged smokers to quit. Tobacco control, 18(2), 144-149. Rollnick, S. Miller, W. R., Butler, C. (2008). Motivational interviewing in health care:Helping patients change behavior. New York: Guilford Press. Top of Form Tappin, D. M., Lumsden, M. A., Gilmour, W. H., Crawford, F., McIntyre, D., Stone, D. H,-.. Mohammed, E. (2005). Randomized controlled trial of home based motivational interviewing by midwives to help pregnant smokers quit or cut down. BMJ, 331(7513), 373-377. Tong, E. K., Ong, M. K., Vittinghoff, E., Prez-Stable, E. J. (2006). Nondaily smokers should be asked and advised to quit. American Journal Of Preventive Medicine, 30(1), 23-30.

John Deere Steel Plow Essay Example

John Deere Steel Plow Paper We chose our topic, the Cast-Steel Plow by John Deere because we all live or have lived on a farm in some period of time and found it would be interesting topic to learn more about the cast-steel plow. We thought that since we have used some type of plow we wanted to know more about it and how it was invented. We found most of our research in books like John Deere’s Company: A History of John Deere And Company and its times, also John Deere Tractors and Equipment. We have contacted John Deere’s Company in Illinois, Living History Farms in Urbandale, and Pomery Living History Farms in Washington. Also more information from Deere. com, and also facts from our American History books. How we chose our presentation category was how all three of us were more familiar with creating good boards and thought that if we could all think about our topic together so we could get a lot more information about our topic, and wanted to come up with a good idea for our board. Our project relates to the NHD theme because the steel plow was a meaningful product to farmers of the 1800s. The John Deere Steel Plow changed history forever since the land was much too rich. The Cast-Iron Plow could only go for a couple of feet and then the farmers would have to scrape off the sod. The steel plow made it easier for the farmers of the 1800s to push and also farmers could plow more acreage then a cast-iron plow. The John Deere cast-steel plow impacted the farmers back in the 1800s and it affects us now in farming. It makes everything easier, now then it has ever before. We will write a custom essay sample on John Deere Steel Plow specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on John Deere Steel Plow specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on John Deere Steel Plow specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Using the Spanish Word Claro

Using the Spanish Word Claro Other than sà ­, the word for yes, claro is the word most commonly used in Spanish for expressing agreement, either with something someone has said or with a statement expressed earlier by the speaker. As an intensifier, claro can be translated in a variety of ways, depending on the context. Common translations include of course, evidently, obviously and yes. In such usages claro usually functions as a sentence adverb or an interjection. Claro also has uses as an adjective and noun. Claro as an Adverb or Interjection When expressing the idea of obviousness or certainty, claro frequently is followed by que. However, it can also be used in other ways as shown in the examples . Note that as an adverb or interjection, claro always takes the form of claro; there is no change for gender. Claro que esto no es bueno. (Clearly this isnt good.)Claro que no todo es un lecho de rosas. (Obviously not everything is a bed of roses.)Sà ­, claro, quiero saber dà ³nde ests, cà ³mo ests. (Yes, of course, I want to know where you are, how you are.)-  ¿Me reconoces? -  ¡Claro que sà ­! (Do you recognize me? Of course!) ¡Claro que no puedes! (Of course you cant!)Claro que tienes pruebas. (Surely you have proof.) ¡Claro que no! (Of course not!) ¿Salimos?  ¡Claro! (Are we leaving? Sure!)Sabemos lo que sabemos, claro. (We know what we know, evidently.)Nunca lo creà ­, pero ahora lo veo claro. (I never believed it, but now I see it clearly.) Claro as an Adjective As an adjective, claro varies in form with number and gender. It has a variety of meanings including light in color, clear, evident, weak or thin (in the sense of being watered down), and frank. Either Est claro que or Es claro que can be used as the equivalent of It is clear that. The former tends to be more common in Spain, the latter in Latin America. El cristalino es la parte clara del ojo que ayuda a enfocar la luz. (The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps focus light.)Muchas personas prefieren las explicaciones ms claras. (Many people prefer the simplest explanations.)Est claro que vamos a sufrir. (It is obvious we are going to suffer.)No es claro que pueda sortear este problema sin ayuda. (It is not clear that she can navigate this problem without help.)La pulpa de esta fruta es verde claro y muy dulce. (This fruits pulp is light green and very sweet.)Quiero comprender, pero no es clara la oracià ³n. (I want to understand it, but the sentence isnt clear.)La solucià ³n filtrada adquiere consistencia de jarabe claro con pelà ­cula viscosa en la superficie. (The filtered solution acquires the consistency of clear  syrup with a thick film on the surface.)La actriz es muy clara sobre su vida amorosa. (The actress is very frank about her love life.) Claro as a Noun Un claro is a clearing (as in a forest) or some other kind of empty space. Los fotos muestran un claro en la jungla con rboles ennegrecidos por el fuego. (The photos show a clearing in the jungle with trees blackened by the fire.)Se abrià ³ un claro entre las nubes. (A break in the clouds opened up.)Hay un claro en la pared para las ventanas. (There is an opening in the wall for the windows.) Moonlight is claro de luna. El claro de luna era nuestra mejor compaà ±Ãƒ ­a. (The moonlight was our best company.)

buy custom Why We Commit Crime essay

buy custom Why We Commit Crime essay Why do people commit crime? According to Thomas (2011), this is a question that is often not asked even by many policy makers. He noted that in contrary, crime and terror has been increasing posing a lot of insecurity challenges all over the world. According to Thomas (2011), various governments are currently spending the better part of their budget on measures aimed at combating crime. New laws are enacted every year in various nations against the actions of crimes while at the same time new laws are passed in an attempt to combat crimes and criminals. Thomas (2011) emphasizes that it must be noted that people are never criminals at birth. He asserts that there could certainly be various circumstances and needs that help in the making of a criminal (Thomas, 2011). There are numerous causes of crime that have been identified ranging from poverty to those factors that are intrinsic within the individuals. Theoretically criminologists, sociologists and psychologist have come up with various theories in an attempt to explain why people commit crime (Thomas, 2011). These theories have attributed this trend to different factors depending of the discipline. In utilizing the relevant theories and integrating them with relevant causal factors, this study will try to answer the question Why do we commit crime? Community and Crime According to Thomas (2011), the role of community is determining criminal activities can be explained both theoretically and critically. However, any of the two concentrates its efforts in examining the opportunities a given community avails in an attempt to enable its members achieve their goals in life (Thomas, 2011). Important to the analysis is also the amount of pressure put by the community on the need for the realization of such dreams. Thomas (2011) notes that the rates of crime is normally higher in the communities which tend to present there members with unequal opportunities. According to him, such a system will automatically deny some individuals a chance to achieve their goals through legitimate means. These groups of individuals are normally forced to pursue their goals through illegal methods to meet the demands placed on them by the same community. Thomas (2011) concludes that as much as the society will still present different opportunity to its members, criminal beh aviors will never be eliminated. According to Thomas (2011), another way in which the community may breed violence is associated with the way in which it controls the handling of such technologies as handguns. Easy access to such lethal technologies in a community may make its members easily resort to violence as a means of solving problems. Thomas (2011) reports a study which showed that in U.S. alone, 333,000 among the 400,000 violent crimes in 1998 were committed using firearms. According this study, firearms related deaths rose to be the eighth in the United States. Thomas (2011) reported another case study in which the issue of unequal opportunities was much evidenced. The study was carried out on inmates in the U.S prisons in 1990s. The researched revealed that the majority of the prisoners had very low education levels. This was also reflected in the kind of crimes that they had committed. The crimes included: robbery, burglary, and automobile theft, drug trafficking, and shoplifting (Thomas, 2011). Asked why they had involved themselves in such criminal activities, most of the prisoners indicated that their low level of education could not allow them to secure well rewarding employment positions. Thomas (2011) emphasizes that lack of employment and provision of any employment below living wage does not help deter criminal activity. According to him, it only put people in a situation where they have to make a decision to either continue in their low income levels or join criminal activities. Theoretical Explanations There are a number of theories that linked crime to the action of the larger communities. According to the rational theorists, before one involves himself in any criminal act, he or she must reason rationally. Grant noted that every individual has their interest which they seek to accomplish through legitimate means (Grant, 2006). This position is supported by the strain theorists who explain that in any given community people have similar goals and aspirations. However, the community does not present its members with similar opportunities. According to Grant (2006), whenever the community fails to present these opportunities to its members, it is a usual phenomenon to find members resorting to criminal ways of achieving their goals. In such cases the need to satisfy ones interest supersedes the potential risks from committing crime (Grant, 2006). On the other hand the social organization theory explains that every behavioral choices made by the individuals are explained by ones immediate physical and social environments (Grant, 2006). According to these theorists, a society with loose social structures will most likely experience high rate of crime. Discussing this theory Grant (2006) sites factors relating to poor planning such as failing to demolish vacant and vandalized buildings and mixing of both commercial and residential houses as the factors that may fuel criminality in a place. The same thought is shared by the routine activities theorists who propose that the probability for one to commit crime is also directly related to the available opportunities to commit crime within a given community. According to Grant (2006), crime rates will always be high in communities with unorganized and unsupervised activities. Third is the social learning theory. This theory takes into account the way people associate with one another in its explanation of crime (Grant, 2006). That both the vigor and the skills of committing crime are developed form the individuals that one associate with. Forth is the social control theory which attributes the probability of crime commitment to the measure of control that is placed upon the individuals by the larger society. The theorists hold that societies whose social institutions have loose structures and lack well defined laws will experience high rate of crime (Grant, 2006). Another societal cause of crme is related to actions like stereotyping and labeling of individuals as criminals (Grant, 2006). This is mostly done or perpetrated by the community leaders whose positions in the society allows them to decide which acts can be considered as a crime. Studies by psychologists have indicated that the individuals who are labeled criminals in most cases turn out to be thus. This holds true because once a person is labeled a criminal, he is always denied his legitimate opportunities of achieving goals by the same community which demands prosperity from him (Grant, 2006). Media and Violence Several studies have linked both the video game violence, the television based movies and the print media to the increasing rate of crime. Surrette (2011) notes that even the simple childrens cartoonist and fantasies have been linked to the increasing aggression in children. According to Surrette (2011), such simple plays done repeatedly may breed violence in children. Studies have also found out a close link between video games and the todays increasing rates of bullying in the learning institutions. According to Surrette (2011), video game violence makes it easy for children to learn violence. He noted that the confirmation of the same by the FBI in its 2000 report when it listed violent video games among the activities that are closely linked to the shootings experienced in the learning institutions. Surrette (2011) noted the strong link between media game violence and increased aggression among todays younger generation. It has been a common phenomenon to find cases where violent video game players confess to have literally resorted to violence based methods as the means of achieving their dreams. Surrette (2011) also notes that it is always a hard task for the players of video game violence to forgive others whenever a dispute occurs especially when they were on the right. In addition, he noted that those who developed aggression from playing this game may totally loose their sense of apathy. According to Surrette (2011), it is also common among the video game players to want to display their strength leading to increased desire to involve themselves in violent related activities. The affected always find themselves reacting in a violent manner even without considering the risks involved. Study by Professor Eron of the University of Michigan also concluded that there is high probability of the boys who watched television crime to try committing the same crimes during their latter stages of life (Surrette, 2011). The study on the effect of crime images in the media by the Professor Brandon Centerwall of the University of Washington also revealed the same findings. It covered the first eight years after a wide scale introduction of TV in California. The study found out that there was an unusual increase in the rate of the reported murder cases in North America during this time. The same was confirmed during his second study in South Africa. According to Surrette (2011), these findings are still applicable as the images in the media still has the potential of making one to resort to being a life long criminal. Medias strong influence to criminology is also explained by the way it dramatizes crime. In most cases, the criminals in video game violence always end up receiving the glory. This acts of media points towards normalizing crime. Another aspect of the media which makes it risky is the king of publicity that it gives to the criminals. Studies have shown that the impression it creates has lured many young people into committing crime (Surrette, 2011). Similarly, the improvement in the field of communication has also ease the coordination of criminal activities. An example is the internet which has greatly enabled the criminals to find and share the information among themselves and also to influence new peers into their activities. Surrette (2011) noted that over the years, the rate of cyber crime has been on the increase especially among the middle and high school students. Some of the highly committed cyber related crimes today include digital piracy, pornography and online bullying (Surrette, 2011). Peer Pressure and Crime According to various studies presented by Smith and his colleagues (2009), there is a link between the kind of friends one has and the probability that he or she will be involved in criminal activities. They noted that effect of Peer pressure is largely felt among the children and the adolescents. According to their findings, most often, children and youths burn with desire to experiment what their fellow age mates are doing. This has led to an increasing number of youths beginning to take alcoholics and drugs. Through their interaction with other criminals, the newly deviant individuals also graduate into involving themselves in more complex activities (Smith et al, 2009). Smith (2009) comments that it is ironical that the often preferred treatment to deviant/criminal behaviors in majority of states is to put them together in some facility. According to Smith, criminality is common among certain adolescent groups and placing them together would worsen the situation. Smith (2009) further notes that there is also a link between exposure to criminal peers and increase in ones involvement in diverse delinquent behaviors. He explored a number of evidences to show that deviant peer influence is largely responsible for both the initiation and worsening of delinquency. According to Smith (2009), another issue that presents peers with an opportunity to advance in criminal activities is their segregation from the normal population. He faulted the initial researches done to determine the best developmental measures on deviant behavior. The researchers had recommended segregating these individuals. However, according to Smith and his colleagues (2009), the contributions of such measures are always offset by the influence the criminal peers have on one another. Their study also found out that putting deviant peers together greatly increases their likelihood of delinquency. Smith (2009) found out that the influence of peers was also rampant among the children. Another way in which the coommunity punishes criminal activities especially in the educational settings is suspension and expulsion. According to Smith and Colleagues (2009), these measures too have been proved to be more detrimental to the very children who are purported to be helped. When these suspended students are sent back from the learning institutions into the community, they meet and influence one another even to worse states than they were before. According to Smith and his colleagues (2009), the best option would be to leave the students in school settings. This would enable them to be exposed to and perhaps learn from their conforming schoolmates. They concluded that because of the considerable evidence, it should never be recommended for the society to continue with its policies of detaining juvenile offenders. This would expose the offenders to deviant peers while minimizing their interaction with the adult role models and their reformed peers. Cultural Values and Crime Both norms and values aspects of cultures relate directly to the rate of crime that is witness. According to Abril (2011), these two aspects of culture affect what a given culture perceives as a crime and the seriousness with which it is taken. He reports various findings to show that the rate of crime is relatively low in cultures which practice collectivism compared to those which practice individualism. Abril (2011) noted that every culture perceives crime differently. Certain communities have their own tribal laws and respond collectively to criminal activities. Such arrangements enable the members of a given culture to internalize and practice the community laws. The cultures which stress on community involvement normally experience lesser crime cases compared to the culture in which individuality is stressed (Abril, 2011). Within the larger culture, there are also the subcultures which may have totally different norms and values from those of the mainstream culture. According to Abril (2011), any attempt to explain the criminal activities in such sub-cultures must seek to analyze the discrepancy that exists between the norms and values of the mainstream culture and those of the specific sub culture. According to Walter Millers theory of Focal Concerns, criminal behaviors of a given small subculture, say gangs, can be described in terms of values and norms of the subculture (Abril, 2011). Walter Miller studied the gang subculture. According to him this group stresses on physical prowess, smartness in conning others, ability to take risk, fate and autonomy. He explained that any member of such sub-cultures must seek to direct their behavior towards living up to these values (Abril, 2011). To such a group being involved in crime is an indication of their autonomy and an opportunity for excitement. Abril (2011) concluded that the greater the discrepancies between the dominant cultures values and the subcultures values the more will be the opportunity of norm violating behavior. Theoretical Explanation Equally, there are theories which seek to explain criminality on the basis of the values and norms practiced by the cultures to which people belong. According to the theory of differential association, even the way in which a given culture defines what a crime is has the potential of making its members to engage in criminal activities (Grant, 2006). Grant explains that such definitions are leant by members from their social groups. Some individuals have therefore committed criminal acts based on the fact that their larger groups were not categorizing such acts as crimes. Grant (2006) reports that crime rate is normally high among social groups with loose definitions of what is considered as a crime (Grant, 2006). Sports (Athletics) and Crime According to the published reports by Valen, there is always one incident of crime involving an athlete in every two days (Valen, 2009). Domestic violence is the most common crime among the athletes. Benedict carried out a study focusing on the rates of sexual assaults reported from thirty major Division I Universities within the U.S. His report showed that one in every three sexual assault cases reported was committed by an athlete. Through the three year study, it was revealed that even though athlete students only constituted 3.3% of the entire college population, they were responsible for 19% of all the sexual assaults committed during this duration. At the same time their involvement in domestic violence related crimes remained high at 35% (Valen, 2009). Another study carried out in Georgetown yielded the same results. According to the study, the number student athletes were only 11 percent of the total population of the undergraduates within the town (Valen, 2009). Astonishingly, their rate of involvement in and being charged with violent assaults was more than twice that of the overall student population. Valen (2009) explains that even though many of the athletes are charged with crime, their charges were being freed every time. The study revealed that the conviction rate of athletes was as low as 38%. This can not be compared to that of the general population which still remains at around 80%. To Valen, these are some of the reasons for high involvement of athletes in crime. Some experts have also attributed the high rate of crime commission by the athletes to their aggressiveness. According to Valen (2009), the athletes also seem live in their own world with the huge salaries and free scholarships that they receive. Most of them see themselves as special and are determined to achieve their goals by whatever means. This has made most of the athletes to believe that the rules and laws which guide the conduct of the rest of the population are not applicable to them. Conclusion In conclusion, the factors such as media, does not directly cause crime by themselves. In order for the governments to successfully address the issue of criminality, thorough research on the operations of the society is required. Any of such research carried out in future should lead to changes in certain policies as well as seeking to involve the community at all levels. Buy custom Why We Commit Crime essay

Employment law Uk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Employment law Uk - Essay Example Under that subsection once the employer has shown that the reason for dismissal was redundancy the determination of the question whether the dismissal is fair or unfair is determined by the Tribunal and takes into account whether in the circumstances (including the size and administrative resources of the employer's undertaking) the employer acted reasonably or unreasonably in treating it as a sufficient reason for dismissing the employee in accordance with equity and the substantial merits of the case. Following the business reorganisation in March 2005 L claimed it genuinely needed to make 3 members of staff redundant. The employer merely has to show that there is a good business reason for the reorganisation and that it will result in a strengthening of the business: Hollister v National Farmers' Union [1979]. Although this case falls under the 'other substantial reason' head the fact that the National Farmers' Union (NFU) reorganised its insurance business to benefit the running of the business was held to be a 'good business reason' to dismiss an employee who would not accept the variation in his contract terms. "it is possible for an employer to use such a situation as a pretext for getting rid of an employee he wishes to dismiss. It is for the tribunal in each case to see whether on all the evidence, the employer has shown them what was the reason for dismissal." L has admitted that M was dismissed due to her sickness record, and not simply because of the need to reorganise the business. Where an employee has a long-term health issue which effectively frustrates the contract, it is possible to legitimately dismiss him/her provided there has been a fair review of attendance record and appropriate warnings have been given: International Sports Co Ltd v Thomson [1980]. Whether the dismissal is 'fair' turns on the interpretation of s98(4) of the ERA 1996. In Iceland Frozen Foods v Jones [1983] Browne-Wilkinson J said: "there is a band of reasonable responses to the employee's conduct within which one employer might reasonably take one view.If the dismissal falls within the band the dismissal is fair." On the facts L has made no attempt to address M's sick