http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/legal/change-for-women-and-the-uk-criminal-justice-system.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/change-for-women-and-the-uk-criminal-justice-system.html Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:30:54 -0500
The report details the problems within the system in three key areas: women as staff, women as victims, and women as offenders. The treatment of female staff has been instrumental in signifying to the Fawcett Society that this is ‘a justice system designed for men.' This is perhaps best exemplified by the day to day running of certain agencies, such as local police forces where female staff are forced to wear male uniforms with collar-size the only measurement being taken into account, and ‘no allowance for the female body shape.' The Fawcett Society cite the negligence to allow female fitted uniforms as representative of the system as a whole.

Where women who have been victims of crime are concerned, the key issue according to The Fawcett Society is that the system ‘fails to provide female victims of violence with support, safety and justice.' This problem is directly linked to the aforementioned staff problems, because the system deters female application and involvement, this results in a poor representation of women - whom are more sensitive to the particular issues of women who have been victims of crime such as violence or rape. Additionally, the report also offered stark statistics regarding convictions, especially concerning rape offences where just 15 percent of serious sexual offences against adults are reported to the police and only 6.5 percent of those result in conviction.

The criminal justice system has also been reported to be failing when it comes to women who offend. The report identifies that 63 percent of sentences for women are for six months or less, and signals that too many of these are for non-violent crime ‘including the non-payment of fines and television licences.' This zealous imprisonment is seen to have severe repercussions also, as imprisonment can often mean separation for children from their mother, and does nothing to address the reasons for offending (which can often be a history of sexual and physical abuse).

In conclusion the report sets forth a future of change for the criminal justice system, and can be seen as the stimulus to make the sector appeal to more women and to become an equal and fair environment for them to work in. Whether this happens will be reflected by the industry and its acceptance that the study is as rounded as it suggests. Justice Minister, Maria Eagle told The Guardian: "While we recognise the challenges we face we reject the central tenet of this report. ... We have long recognised the specific needs of women in the criminal justice system... But there is still more to be done and the government equality bill contains positive action measures."

Consequently, the report is perhaps most striking where victims and offenders are concerned, and it highlights many ways for reform be carried out. Amongst the suggestions, taking influence from our international counterparts - such as Denmark where it is ensured that all female rape victims have access to legal representation before making their statement, and where specialist prisons cater for women and their children - will no doubt be positive for the sector and the UK as a whole.


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Sarah Maple is writing for Kaplan about Criminal Justice Degree courses.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/safety-in-motorbiking.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/safety-in-motorbiking.html Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:35:56 -0500
There are Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes offered which teach safety and of course, it is always vitally important to have proper bike insurance. Some skills are common sense such as to obtain and maintain control of the motorbike. Importantly, if a rider losses control of a motorbike the rider needs to learn how to recover control. Most experienced drivers are aware that if they lose control the first thing they should do is immediately grasp and press both levers to stop the bike as quickly as possible. Passengers present yet another challenge. Riders should make sure passengers know how to connect their helmet cord, how to get on and off the bike and as importantly when to get on and off. This includes when the rider is in neutral, has both feet down and the stand is down. This eliminates tipping over the bike and injuring the rider and passenger. Riding is an enjoyable experience but it presents safety issues that must be respected.

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For a great motorbike insurance quote, visit www.carolenash.com today and let the UK's favourite motorcycle insurance specialists find you a great deal!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/common-workplace-injuries.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/common-workplace-injuries.html Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:43:01 -0500
The most common workplace hazard is the carpel tunnel syndrome, it is a condition in which the wrist becomes pinched and there is a loss of feel. It will also make the wrist muscles feel wasted, the efficient exercises suggested to perform in office and home are stretching exercises , which are useful in treating not only the syndrome but most common workplace related injuries. Frequent breaks and time out can also help reduce the unwanted risk of putting the body to several related muscle strains and discomfort. Providing an ergonomic work environment can drastically decrease workers compensation claims, and also increase productivity and employee comfort. Businesses can opt for providing more ergonomic office furniture and provide a basic level of comfort for their employees. Paying more attention to the work environment rather than being very much held up with the organizations profit and development also helps.

Burn hazards in the mechanical industry are also commonly addressed workplace injuries, such as in industrial plants and steam process lines. For these case providing thermal protection technologies , and silicone and rubber protectors to provide more personnel protection along with technological materials in safety within minimal capital investments can minimize total energy costs and improvise production.

In almost all of the office buildings usage of lifts are widely in use, especially when a multi storey office space is considered. First of all professional and standard lift service providers must be concerned even though they may sometimes burn a hole in the pocket, but making sure that no lift hazards are present may save the organisation from making unwanted repair allowances and injuries due to malfunctioning of the lift systems, thereby eliminating any likely occurrence of an accident or an incident. Therefore improving safety measures in any workplace will improve the employees commitment and involvement and also make the workplace , injury free and prevent the occurrence of a personal injury.

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Had an injury or accident at work? Visit www.irwinmitchell.com and let one of the UK's largest law firms help you claim the compensation you deserve!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/the-clinical-negligence-solicitor-a-lifesaver-for-the-future.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/the-clinical-negligence-solicitor-a-lifesaver-for-the-future.html Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:31:00 -0500 trampled by the system, and face an uncertain future being only a fraction
of the person they were before negligent action stripped them of their
life. Caught in a negligent action, the average patient faces one of the
most difficult of times in their existence, sometimes not even knowing
where to turn, or what really went wrong. The hard work and diligence of
the clinical negligence solicitor is often their only lifeline to sanity
in resolving their situation.

Testimonials from clients on many solicitors' sites indicate that their
advice is appreciated, even when it is advice not to make a clinical negligence claim. People appreciate the work that a good solicitor can do.

Solicitors often fill that gap between the unreality of an
incident and the consequent reality the incident has caused. We have cause
universally to be grateful for their training and skill, and for the
protections the law affords victims. In a recent case poor medical advice caused the victim's condition to deteriorate to the point where extra operations were necessary. The victim said of her
solicitors "I am delighted with the level of service I have received...".
In light of the fact that in order to pursue the claim she had to sell her
family home to survive financially, this is especially gratifying. Because
the solicitors fought for her and won her claim, she has money to buy a
new one and get on with her life as best as she can.


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If you are looking for a clinical negligence solicitor, why not visit the experts at www.alexanderharris.co.uk who can provide you with the expertise to solve your legal needs.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/asbestos-is-a-natural-silicate-mineral.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/asbestos-is-a-natural-silicate-mineral.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:20:38 -0500
Historically, asbestos was used in many areas, but it was almost always used to prevent or protect against fire. Its use dates as far back as the ancient Greeks and Persians, but it really came to popularity in the late 1800s, with the Industrial Revolution. At this time it was first used for insulation, but went on to be used in concrete, bricks, pipes, fireplaces, gaskets, ceilings, floors, drywall, roofs and furniture. During World War II, tons of asbestos was used to wrap pipes, line boilers, and cover other parts of ships.

Unfortunately, asbestos is not just a useful flame retardant mineral. It is also a toxic and dangerous one that has caused disease and death in hundreds of thousands of people. The first documented death from asbestos related causes was in 1906, but tragically the dangers of the mineral did not become widely known until the 1970s. In 1989, the US Environmental Protection Agency put out a ban on asbestos. Many other countries did the same thing during the 1980s.

Exposure to asbestos can cause several illnesses. These include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos can also cause warts and pleural plaques. These diseases can be caused by intake of invisible asbestos fibres through the respiratory system or by contact with the skin. Mesothelioma, which is one of the most common asbestos related diseases, is a form of malignant cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective lining that coats most of the body's internal organs. It can be treated with the common cancer treatments, but it is a serious disease, and should be caught early.

Another common disease caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis. This is a chronic condition of inflammation in the parenchymal tissue of the lungs. People with this condition often experience shortness of breath, and are at a much greater risk for several forms of lung cancer. There is no cure, but asbestosis can be treated with oxygen therapy, respiratory physiotherapy, and nebulized medicine.


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It is a shame to see what damage asbestos has caused to the people of the US, but at least now we are aware of its dangers and have taken steps to protect ourselves. For more information about asbestos compensation , take a look what the experts at www.mesotheliomamatters.com have to say.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/medical-negligence-and-patient-management.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/medical-negligence-and-patient-management.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:53:31 -0500
When dealing with patients, doctors have shifted to using the larger more objective studies for making decisions, the so-called "gold standard" data now available through research and testing, especially with respect to pharmaceuticals and their action on certain disease states. This however, is not the only source of information the doctor has at his disposal, but in analysing case studies on patient presentation used in Medical Schools, it is clear that doctors are now being trained to apply the best current evidence, whether or not it is completely relevant, or for that matter, thoroughly tested on the long term. Here, the influence of Big Pharma is felt, and whether one wants to completely admit to it, technological advances always have a certain appeal in medical decision-making. Especially in the area of patient management, cognitive short cuts have become the doctor's best friend.

The term "patient" generally refers to a person who is receiving medical treatment and/or who is under medical care. If a medical professional negligently breaches his respective professional duties owed to the patient, for example, by weighing the probability that this patient's clinical features more closely match the class of those patients with the newest leading diagnostic hypotheses, the physician may overlook features of the individual case that do not fit the latest model and do the patient no good! The very highest priority should be put on choosing a therapeutic modality that improves clinical outcome for the patient. This is not often done in the interests of expediency, or what is usual and customarily allowable by the patient's insurance company. The best physicians will make intelligent decisions most appropriate to a patient and a clinical situation, but these are not always cost-effective, or for that matter, fit the most modern evidence-based medicine. The physician is caught in the trap of medical negligence and patient management, courtesy of heuristics.

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For more information regarding medical negligence and clinical negligence, please visit http://www.patientlawyers.com, who can provide you with expert legal help and advice.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/accidents-at-work-are-nearly-unavoidable_1.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/accidents-at-work-are-nearly-unavoidable_1.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:31:58 -0500
Another precaution an employer might take is having you sign a waiver stating that if you are injured on the job you will not hold the employer or any other employee at fault. Depending on your particular work environment the degree of injury can vary greatly. If you have an office or administrative job your greatest worry might be a paper cut. If you stock shelves for a living you might be concerned about a heavy box falling on you. Now if you are a coal or oil miner your exposure to danger is greater. As a coal miner you have to worry about cave-ins and as an oil miner there is always the possibility of oil spills. In these conditions the accidents carry a greater risk.

Having the facts concerning your job, the possible threats, and your options should an accident occur is very important. If you have to see a doctor or go to the hospital as a result of an accident in the workplace will your employer cover the bill? Will you be forced to file an accident claim ? Will you receive a compensation claim for any other loss you receive as a result of an accident?

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Make sure you are well informed of your options should an accident occur in your workplace. Be sure to consult a lawyer if need be. For more information, visit http://www.irwinmitchell.com to find out about your options should you have an accident at work .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/holiday-accidents-a-crimp-in-your-holiday.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/holiday-accidents-a-crimp-in-your-holiday.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:52:44 -0500
So how is it possible to obtain some level of compensation? Well, in order to get compensation for damage caused through an accident it will be necessary to claim for it.

Personal injury is of particular concern. There are as many ways of getting injured as there are body parts. A common and much addressed form of loss is that following a road accident. This is especially so, since most countries insist that we drive on the right! For European travel, the situation is somewhat better than it was six years ago.

In order to make personal injury claims following a road traffic accident easier to deal with, the EU introduced the 4th EU Motor Directive. This legislation came into force in 2003 and covers all EU countries.

It states that all cars insured in EU countries must be registered on a database. Which means that if the injured person has managed to note the registration number plate of the car involved in the accident, the of the insurance company it should be possible to find their details.

The Directive also states that the insurer of the other drive must designate a representative in the home country (UK) of the injured party (you). This will relieve the burden of having to deal with a foreign legal system.

The important conclusion is that your holiday accident claim can be dealt with in the UK by the solicitor of your choice. This is easier than finding a foreign solicitor with the appropriate language skills willing to communicate with you back in the UK.

What if the car was not insured or the insurance company cannot be found or has ceased to exist? According to the Directive, someone must do something. In the UK that role is taken by the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB). It is part of the remit of the MIB to handles claims for untraceable drivers and untraceable insurance companies.


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For accidents within the EU at least, a mechanism is in place to soften the blow of the litigation nightmare. Find out more information about accidents abroad by visiting http://www.holidayclaims.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/workplace-injuries.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/workplace-injuries.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:28:49 -0500
Employers avoid responsibility for accidents for a variety of reasons. One reason is that business with fewer reported accidents can get lower worker’s compensation insurance premiums. Workplaces with few reported injuries are less likely to be audited by OSHA (the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and companies that compete for government contracts may find it easier to get those contracts if they have a better safety record. There have been many reported cases of companies that have actively endangered their employees’ health by forcing them to go back to work too soon after an accident. In other cases, employees have reported being fired for reporting accidents, and still others have been disciplined or fired for speaking up about safety hazards on the job.

So what should you do if your worker’s compensation claim is denied by your employer? Start at your company’s HR department. If they are not helpful, you may have to look for outside help through a lawyer or a state agency. There are many lawyers who specialise in workplace injury claims, and many of them do not charge you unless you win your case. The specific guidelines vary by state, so make sure that any information you find online or in a publication pertain to your area.

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Workplace injuries do not have to mean the end of your career. If you’'ve been hurt on the job, stand up for yourself and find out more information at http://www.alexanderharris.co.uk. Get the medical attention and compensation that you need and make sure your employer accepts responsibility.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/legal/minnesota-dui-and-dwi-law.html http://www.articletrader.com/legal/minnesota-dui-and-dwi-law.html Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:56:41 -0500
Here we'll discuss some of the nuances of Minnesota's tough DUI and DWI laws and how they can affect you should you ever find yourself being charged for breaking any of these laws. The first thing you should understand is that the terms DWI and DUI are used interchangeably due to revisions in Minnesota's laws. Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are essentially the same but are sometimes confusing due to those changes. Still, being charged with a DWI crime presents stiff penalties and depending on the charges, your past record and any other crimes you find yourself charged with, the repercussions can affect the rest of your life.

So What are the Laws?

Minnesota laws read that a DWI crime includes any person driving, operating or controlling a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, a hazardous substance or any combination of these. Further, if you're found with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 and are driving a vehicle, you will be arrested. If metabolites of a schedule I or II controlled substance is found in your body and you're operating a vehicle, you will be arrested. There are several aggravating factors that play a role in determining what those charges will ultimately include after your arrest. Some of these factors include:

- Other DUI/DWI arrests over the past decade
- Alcohol concentration of .20
- A minor under the age of 16 who is traveling with you

These are just a few factors and the fact is, the arresting officer is afforded a bit of leeway during the arrest. The penalties vary as well. Using a "tiered" approach, the laws are defined as:

Fourth Degree DWI is considered a misdemeanor and is punished by up to 90 days in jail and the potential of a $1,000 fine.

Third Degree DWI is considered a gross misdemeanor and if you're convicted you face up to one year in jail with a $3,000 fine.

Second Degree DWI is also considered a gross misdemeanor and its determined based on a number of factors such as those listed above.

First Degree DWI, if convicted, is a felony and punishable by up to seven years in prison and up to $14,000 in fines. Again, aggravating factors play a large role in any sentence the judge imposes.

The laws relating to DUI/DWI charges in Minnesota are overwhelming and can be confusing. This only reiterates the importance of consulting an attorney as soon as you can. Allow an experienced lawyer to go to bat for you and help you maneuver the legal waters. Without legal assistance, you stand to lose far more than you ever could have anticipated.

The information you obtain from this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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A Minneapolis DUI attorney at a local law firm can provide you with an experienced DUI lawyer in Minnesota.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>