High school debate style should emphasize persuasion, information, and logic above other skills. Recent trends, such as excessive speed of delivery and excessive amounts of evidence used in debate, have tended to inhibit the effective acquisition of those skills for students. Potential methods for moderating speed and evidence use are not allowing…

A study of the criminal justice system in New York City found that blame has been thrust on the judges, the police, the district attorneys, and the probation officers. To find out if there is, indeed, a system of criminal justice and if the necessary responsibilities, authority, and accountability for the successful conclusions to steps in the…

Researchers interviewed 83 social scientists, 70 attorneys, and 10 federal district judges to discover their views on the use of expert social science testimony in school desegregation litigation. Selected from 17 desegregation cases adjudicated in federal district courts since 1970, the interviewees were asked about their roles in the litigation;…

The nine articles in this collection deal with theoretical and practical freedom of speech issues. Topics discussed include the following: (1) freedom of expression in Thailand and India; (2) metaphors and analogues in several landmark free speech cases; (3) Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas's views of the First Amendment; (4) the San…

Evaluates the Supreme Court's decisions relating to education during the past few years and the effect that the retirement of Justice Lewis Powell will have on the balance of the Supreme Court. Discusses nominee Robert Bork and his possible effect if he becomes a member of the Supreme Court. (MD)

Offers summaries of research dealing with (1) judges' perceptions of the fair trial-free press issue, (2) ethical journalism, (3) media agenda setting with environmental issues, (4) local predictors of basic and pay cable television subscribership, and (5) restaurant critics. (FL)

The opinion of a three-judge panel in a court case involving the validity of gender-based mortality tables and the right of women to receive equal pensions from the Teachers Insurance Annuities Association and the College Retirement Equities Fund is presented, including references to the earlier, related Norris case. (MSE)

Replicates and extends a previous survey (EJ 283 746) on ethics in forensic activities. Concludes that forensic educators and participants share a basic concern for ethics in speech contest events. (PD)

This booklet discusses the workings of the federal courts and supports six law-related lesson plans. It is divided into the following sections: "The Constitution and the Federal Judiciary"; "The Federal Courts in American Government" ("The Federal Courts and Congress"; "The Federal Courts and the Executive…

This study examined the rate at which juvenile courts refer youthful offenders to mental health care and organizational factors that may account for variation in treatment referral rates. The study was based on 73 juvenile courts in Tennessee. Data sources included secondary, statewide data on youth referred to the courts in 1997 and responses of…

A county circuit court judge defined "quality" education for public schools of West Virginia. The case illustrates that comprehensive decisions about curriculum, instruction, and supervision for an entire state are within the jurisdiction of the court. (MLF)

Justice Lewis Powell's opinion on the Regents of the University of California v. Bakke is studied as an act of persuasion and a piece of rhetoric. A comment by Jan Deutch and a response by James B. White are included. (Available from: Washington and Lee University School of Law, Lexington, VA 24550, $5.00) (MLW)

Presents transcript, editorial analysis, and critiques of the final debate of the 35th National Debate Tournament between Dartmouth College and University of Pittsburgh. (PD)

Examines two tournaments for "individual events," sponsored by national associations. Provides information to help students and coaches decide which tournament will best meet the needs of their forensics programs. ("Individual events" include public speaking--persuasive, expository, after-dinner--interpretation, rhetorical…

The experience of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards illustrates how issues of assessing the content representativeness of performance assessment can be addressed to ensure validity for certification procedures. Explores the challenges of collecting validation evidence when expert judgments of content are used. (SLD)