Abstract
This paper provides an introduction to family or domestic violence, including the cycle of violence from one generation to another. It defines several kinds of violence including physical, mental and sexual. The paper examines the effect of domestic violence on the community and shows what is being done (and what is not being done) about America's number one health public health problem.

From the Paper
"There is rarely a single cause of domestic violence. However, one constant in most instances of domestic violence; those who abuse family members, either witnessed abuse or were abused as children. It is called the "cycle of violence", it is a behavioral pattern, and psychologists refer to this as "intergenerational violence", because it affects many generations of the family. The American Psychological Association states, "The strongest predictor of violence, is a history of violence within a family". Women who witness abuse as a child are at a greater risk of experiencing abuse as adults. Furthermore, men who witness abuse as a child are at a greater risk of abusing. To "them" it is an accepted part of a male-female relationship; they imitate and repeat what familiar to them."

Tags:American, Psychological, Association, Congress, BIP

Abstract
Over the past two decades, parental use of physical punishment has become an increasingly controversial practice. The paper explains that the controversy has been further fueled by a growing body of evidence that suggests that physical punishment is associated with a number of negative developmental consequences for children, including higher levels of aggression, poorer mental health, lower levels of moral internalization, impaired parent-child relationships, and higher risk of abuse of the child. This paper provides an overview of the issues involved in spanking children as a means of punishment and instilling a sense of self-control, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.

From the Paper
"The proper objectives of a system of punishment administered by the state have been the subject of debate among philosophers, educators, lawyers, and legislators for centuries. A variety of different theories or objectives of punishment have been proposed, some differing only in minor ways depending on the age of the child involved. The research into how toddlers develop self-control indicates that most children exhibit the ability to control their behavior after age one year (Dworetzky), which becomes more refined after age six years. In his novel, Waldon Two, B. F. Skinner described a utopian society which was built on psychological principles. One of these principles involved a method by which children were taught to delay immediate gratification in favor of long-term advantage. According to Skinner, children would be able to "generalize this ability to new situations" (Dworetzky, 1990, p. 119). The world of young children is not quite this utopian, however, and practically all parents and teachers experience situations in which children exhibit little or no self-control. However, by applying some alternatives techniques, parents, teachers and other caregivers can help provide appropriate role models for behavior and communicate appropriate models of behavior to children as young as one year old without the need to resort to corporal punishment."

Tags:control, delinquency, discipline, erikson, juvenile, parenting, self, skinner

Abstract
This paper examines the proposal for legalization of same-sex marriage, and how it is one of the most significant issues in contemporary American family law. The author discusses the potential consequences of legalizing same-sex marriage, both positive and negative, for children, parents, same-sex couples, families, and the social structure. Litigation and current laws regarding this issue are discussed. Arguments are made for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

From the Paper
"Marriage has changed greatly throughout the years. In Western law, wives are now equal rather than subordinate partners; interracial marriage is now widely accepted, both in statute and in society; and marital failure itself, rather than the fault of one partner, may be grounds for a divorce. Social change has been felt in marriages in recent years as divorce rates have increased and have been integrated into upper class families. Proposals to legalize same-sex marriage or to enact broad domestic partnership laws are currently being promoted by gay and lesbian activists, especially in Europe and North America."

Tags:homosexuality, sociology, gay, lesbian, legislation, equal, protection, couple, family, states

Abstract
This paper looks at the way in which juvenile offenders were punished as harshly as adult offenders and were subject to corporal and capital punishment, prior to the 1800's. It discusses how the current American system of juvenile justice is based on hundreds of years of legal traditions, some of which are discussed in brief in this paper.

From the Paper
"In the early 1800's, people were starting to see children in a different light, as persons at a unique level of human development rather than little adults; with equal moral and cognitive capacities. Several alternatives to imprisonment came about during the 1800's. The cottage system eliminated large congregate living situations and placed smaller cottage-like buildings together. The placing out system placed adolescents from urban slum areas with families in rural areas to teach them how to work and learn under the guidance of a family. Upper class, troubled adolescents were sent to military school to learn discipline. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, juvenile and family courts were established to separate juvenile delinquents from adult criminals. The child-saving movement was started at this time and the juvenile system was changed to include juvenile, courts, probation, child guidance clinics, truant officers and reformatories."

Tags:current, system, juvenile, justice, legal, traditions, little, distinction, rights, expectations, children, adults, punished

Abstract
This paper covers the different issues in the abortion debate. It covers both sides- pro-choice and pro-life. Although a conclusion is not made, the closing statement reads similar to the beginning. The issues surrounding abortion seem to be questions that must be answered by each individual searching his or her own heart and soul.

From the Paper
"Abortion has been, and probably always will be, a very controversial subject among people of all ages. There are many aspects of the controversy: morality, legality, and safety. Many people ask whether abortion is moral; they question whether it is right or wrong. Others ask whether a woman should be permitted by law to have an abortion and, if so, under what circumstances. There are two sides that directly oppose each other. People who are against abortion label themselves as being "pro-life." Those who are for women's choice concerning abortion are described as being "pro-choice." Safety is another area of controversy. Many question the hazards involved with abortion- emotional and physical. With these three issues, the abortion controversy continues."

Tags:abortion, choice, life, pro, prochoice, prolife

Abstract
This paper looks at the problem of elder abuse in our society and around the world. It looks at who the victims are, who the perpetrators are, and why it is often hard to prevent elder abuse. Also discussed are measures physicians and social workers can take to help deal with the problem of elder abuse, the ways various state laws deal with the problem, and some recognizable signs of elder abuse.

From the Paper
"Due to the innovations in the fields of medicine, science and technology the life expectancy of an average male and female has increased drastically. Many people are living longer and are in a better state of health. However the more old they grow the more they are dependent on others to take care of their needs. This leads to many problems as it exposes a hidden problem known as elder abuse. There are several cases of elder abuse reported every year. Due to the extent of the elder abuse, some of the victims tend to die earlier due to the psychological and physical damage."

Tags:elderly, mistreated, abused, harm, exploited, neglects, shoving, slapping, beating, restrain, caregiver, deprive, medicate

Abstract
The paper defines spousal maintenance, (or alimony as it is known in the United States) and the two factors that must be taken into consideration under Australian law. The paper explains these factors that are the capacity for the maintenance to be paid, and the need for the maintenance to be received. The paper discusses the government's intention in creating the legislation that outlined spousal maintenance and then relates the conventional view of spousal maintenance prior to the inception of the Family Law Act 1975. The paper contrasts this to the conventional view of spousal maintenance and outlines the current legislation in relation to this topic. The paper concludes that current legislation requires reformations to allow the emergence of acceptable outcomes of all spousal maintenance cases heard within Australia.

From the Paper
"Spousal maintenance is an outdated theory which perseveres in prolonging fragments of discarded associations of two parties formerly engaged in marriage. The concept is antithetical towards the economic autonomy of the two parties as incorporated in s.81 of the Family Law Act 1975, which states that it is the duty of the court to end financial relations between separated spouses. Spousal maintenance also dissuades the parties from engaging in new relationships as a result of the formation of pecuniary obstacles and disincentives. (Priestly, 2003)."

Tags:divorce, marriage, dependency, involuntary, servitude

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of sexual harassment in the Amercian workplace. It categorizes what type of conduct may be considered harassment, and briefly explains the annti-discrimination policy guidelines Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Definition Of Sexual Harassment:
Quid Pro Quo
Hostile Working Environment

From the Paper
"With the rapidly changing corporate culture, organizations in the United States are required to focus their attention on eradication of discriminatory practices in the workplace especially those connected with gender. Sexual harassment is one such problem, which has become the worst form of gender discrimination on job in recent years. Complaints of sexual harassment are rising dramatically and while American corporations are showing active interest in resolving the issue, new cases are still being reported in every part of the country. Davis (1998) writes, "In 1986, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission began tracking sexual harassment cases and found 2,850 filed. By 1995, these claims had climbed to over 15,000 for the year." (Restaurant Hospitality, pp. 122)"

Tags:discrimination, behavior, employee, worker, women, female, environment, harassment, hostile, proquo, quid, sexual, workplace, civil, rights, EEOC, Equal, Employment, Opportunity, Commission

Abstract
This paper discusses the Florida ban on gay adoption, as well as other legal and ethical aspects of same sex parenting. The paper explores the question of whether children brought up by gay parents are at a disadvantage in any way and uses professional research to back up the findings.

From the Paper
"Despite the number of laws passed or the numerous movies or television shows that support gay rights, the negative conations associated with same-sex parent adoption continue to taint both attitudes and laws. Society is still laden with negative biases against homosexual adoption, and against gays in general (Johnson, et al., 1995) which severely limits their rights as people and as parents."

Tags:donnell, homosexual, rosie, lesbian, American, Academy, of, Pediatrics

Abstract
This paper examines the futility of seeking court orders for shared parenting as a parent's right as opposed to seeking more child-focused options, particularly when family law disputes are so often embedded in feelings of personal loss over the failure of intimate relationships.

From the Paper
"Chief Justice Nicholson calls the Family Law a blunt instrument for dealing with the fallout of intimate relationships (Nicholson 2002: 1). In making this contention, he astutely echoes many commentators, who note that custody battles are frequently more about resolving past hurts than determining what is in the best interests of a child (see, for example, Smith). In fact, Charlesworth asks if it is realistic to expect legal provisions to ease existing social and psychological tensions. (Charlesworth et al 2000: 135). Nonetheless, in making any Family Court order, a judge or registrar takes on two unenviable tasks: balancing the emotional distress that accompanies breakdowns and making a court order, which has the potential to be breached every single time contact occurs (Jackson, 2000 at 14)."

Tags:australia, custody, joint, shared