A Multilevel Analysis of Community Effects on Criminal Sentencing

This research examines the influence of several important community characteristics on the sentencing of convicted felony defendants, net of other predictors associated with sentencing decisions. Using an appropriate multilevel technique, I find that several community characteristics affect the likelihood that defendants are sentenced to prison versus jail. However, none of the community characteristics influence the odds of prison versus non‐custodial sanctions or jail versus non‐custodial sanctions for these defendants. This underscores the importance of using sentencing measures beyond the basic “in/out” dichotomy. Even more importantly, the results suggest that there remains a statistically significant and substantial amount of sentencing variation across counties after controlling for relevant individual‐ and community‐level factors. The implications of these findings for research, theory, and policy‐making are discussed.     

THE POWER OF DIVERSION: INTERMEDIATE SANCTIONS AND SENTENCING DISPARITY UNDER PRESUMPTIVE GUIDELINES*

Fiscal constraints and shifting political climates in corrections have recently led to a renewed interest in intermediate punishments. Despite their growing prevalence, though, relatively little empirical research has examined the judicial use of alternative sanctions as a sentencing option. By using 3 years of data from the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing (PCS), this study investigates little‐researched questions regarding the use of sentencing alternatives among offenders and across contexts. Results indicate that male and minority offenders are the least likely to receive intermediate sanctions, both as a diversionary jail or prison sentence and as a substitute for probation. The probability of receiving an intermediate sanction also varies significantly across judges and court contexts and is related to county‐level funding for these programs, among other factors. Findings are discussed as they relate to contemporary theoretical perspectives on the perceived suitability of intermediate punishments and on the unique role that offender agency plays in the sentencing of these cases. Directions for future research are discussed.     

False Positives Observed on the Seratec® PSA SemiQuant Cassette Test with Condom Lubricants

Abstract: In the course of the validation of a new component of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) SemiQuant Cassette Test marketed by Seratec^®, a false‐positive reaction was observed when testing samples collected from the surface of unused, lubricated condoms. A variety of personal lubricants and condoms were tested to determine the frequency of the false positive, as well as its potential source. Samples were extracted in both water and the manufacturer‐provided buffer, and the test was performed according to the manufacturer’s suggested protocol. The false positive was observed intermittently, but occurred consistently with samples containing nonoxynol‐9, a strong detergent utilized as a spermicide. The reaction may be attributable to the combination of latex and nonoxynol‐9. Because of the unreliability of the test to confirm the presence of PSA in samples collected from condoms, the PSA cassette is an unsuitable method for confirming the presence of seminal fluid in condoms.     

不动产一物二卖问题研究

对于不动产一物二卖,社会一般观念认为,出卖人失信背义,应保护第一买受人。学说与判例的主流观点则认为,第二买卖合同的效力并不因第一买卖合同的存在本身而受影响,若第二买受人先完成登记,即可取得标的物所有权。不动产的一物二卖应区分不同情形,产生出卖人交出其第二次出卖所获利益、第二买受人不能取得所有权以及出卖人与第二买受人承担侵权损害赔偿责任等法律效果。在这一背景下,当前学说与判例的主流观点殊值检讨与修正,以重回守信与公平的轨道。     

劳动法的能与不能--一种语境论进路的解析和思考

目前,我国正处于社会转型时期,对我国劳动法的作用、意义、宗旨应有冷静客观的认识,尤其要意识到劳动法的局限,劳动法不能的一面.我国劳动法的生存和发展的语境与西方劳动法是迥然不同的,其作用的发挥应立足我国当前的实际,重视对劳动法实践过程中我国广大民众的实践经验的累积和提炼.     

国家级专项规划群体决策的组织方式及其效果研究

国家级专项规划作为国民经济和社会发展五年计划纲要的重要组成部分,具有较强的专业性且编制和实施效果将影响国家某一领域未来5-10年甚至更长时间的发展。本文重点研究了国家级专项规划编制的历史沿革、规划的群体决策机制、规划群体决策组织方式的影响因素以及群体决策组织方式的实施效果,期望通过此研究为我国国家级专项规划组织方式的完善提供理论依据。     

中文语境下“Forensic science”界定与诠释

作为美国司法制度的一项有机组成部分,“Forensic Science”已与其诉讼法律文化紧密融为一体。美国诉讼活动中,双方当事人对于某项专门性问题进行举证时,往往需要运用被称为“Forensic Scieilce”的科学实证活动予以证明。在将“Forellsic Science”一词引入国内的同时,必须在中文语境基础上对其进行准确界定与诠释。通过中美诉讼法律文化的比较研究,并对我国现有相关专业术语进行辨析后可以发现,“司法鉴定”一词与“Forensic Science”不仅在内涵、外延上较为吻合,亦符合我国诉讼制度与司法实践的现实要求。同时,采用“司法鉴定”一词,还可以充分反映出“Forensic Science”的本质属性,避免因中文界定的偏差而造成不必要的争议与误解。     

法律英语研究可视化分析：发展与展望

文章以Web of Science核心数据库、中国知网等期刊数据库为基础,借助CiteSpace可视化分析技术及语料库分析方法,综述国内外法律英语研究的发展脉络及研究热点,梳理历时发展趋势。分析表明,法律英语研究呈现跨学科属性,国际、国内法律英语研究存在一定差异。国际法律英语研究呈现明显的跨学科属性,分为法律与语言两个领域,具体包括法律与法律制度、法律语言、法律英语及法律翻译,不同研究热点间连接程度不同。而语言领域是国内法律英语研究的着力点,法律翻译、语言特征及法律英语教学是国内法律英语研究的核心内容。文章结合我国法律英语研究发展现状,建议建立法律英语学科,培养国际化复合型法律英语人才。     

多重买卖实际履行顺序研究——评我国相关司法解释之规定

我国多重买卖的实际履行顺序规则主要由三条司法解释构成。其不仅适用条件严苛,脱离司法实践,而且与传统民法理论和现行民法规范均存在严重矛盾,可以说根本无法有效地发挥确定履行顺序之作用,应当及时修订。司法实践中,办案人员需要综合考虑案件的具体情形,依据现行民事实体法和程序法之规定确定实际履行的位次,绝非僵化适用司法解释。