Justice Brennan's Gender Jurisprudence

Empathy, Justice, and Jurisprudence

This paper uses a study of the opinions in a case recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., to explain the role of empathy in legal interpretation. I argue for two theses: (1) that empathy is essential to an interpretation of law if that interpretation is to serve the interests of justice and (2) that no interpretation of a law is sound if it ignores w...

Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Procedural Justice in Scottish Drug Courts

The United Kingdom, in common with other western jurisdictions, has in recent years sought to develop more effective ways of responding to drug related crime. Although the link between drug use and crime is complex, it is recognised that much acquisitive crime in the UK occurs through the need for individuals with drug problems to obtain the financial resources necessary to maintain a regular s...

Sound Principles, Undesirable Outcomes: Justice Scalia's Paradoxical Eighth Amendment Jurisprudence

Reproductive Genetics and Gender Justice

In recent years, the use of gender neutral-terminology has become commonplace. At times, the practice is awkward, as when a writer or speaker avoids generic terms that are also used exclusively for males. "Human" or "person" then replaces "man," and "he or she" is often used instead of merely "he." Despite the awkwardness, this practice may have the positive effect of reminding readers or liste...

A critical comparison of the church-state jurisprudence of Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

by the committee members below to meet the thesis requirement for graduation with honors in Political Science at the University of Richmond.