An ounce of prevention? The reform of the German trade union Federation

This article investigates the causes and content of the ongoing reform of the German Trade Union Federation (DGB). We argue that problems predating German unification ‐ in particular, a skewed demographic profile, financial crisis and waning political clout ‐ are the central factors that led German unionists to undertake reform and have largely determined the reform's content. German unification acted simply as a catalyst rather than the cause prompting union reform. German unions can only retain their prominent economic and social position if they promote genuine democratic reform within their ranks. Otherwise unions will never attract employees from the high technology and service sectors that are essential to the union movement's survival in the coming century. German unions should also resist the temptation to take on all of the problems plaguing German society. They must instead concentrate on the essential tasks of all labour movements: discerning the ever‐changing wants of today's increasingly heterogeneous work force and fighting with employers and governments to obtain them.     

Information technology in the legal curriculum—reaction and realities*

Abstract

In the light of official apparent assumptions about the use and effectiveness of C & IT in teaching and learning this article, by reference to empirical studies carried out by the authors and others, offers observations and conclusions about the most effective use of CAL in delivering legal education. We detail the type of electronic packages used in delivering modules to Woherhampton students (studying both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes), evaluate their responses and conclude by making recommendations as to the most effective use of CAL in academic programmes; in particular that by itself it be limited to providing a foundation of basic legal knowledge upon which the higher cognitive skills can be developed by face to face contact     

Recent legal developments

Abstract

THE CASE of R (Pretty) v. Director of Public Prosecutions, gave the House of Lords the opportunity to comment on the issues surrounding the application of the European Convention on Human Rights to the crime of assisted suicide in the case of the terminally ill. A conservative approach was taken in relation to both this issue and indeed in relation to the possibilities of judicial control of the Law Officers of the Crown.