This pamphlet uses the Articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a framework within which to describe legal safeguards of individual rights in the United Kingdom. Under each article of the Declaration, a historical perspective of the tradition of civil liberties is provided, as are descriptions of recent trends and…

This report discusses UNESCO sponsored meetings concerned with the protection of journalists around the world. The first section of the report examines the efforts of UNESCO, including two studies commissioned by the International Organization of Journalists (IOJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which recommended that…

In 1972, the Maryland Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) became law in that state. The amendment provides that "Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied because of sex." This document surveys the legislative reforms that have been enacted to implement the ERA in the 12 years following the law's ratification. It also…

Describes the court case of Chicago v. Morales in which an anti-loitering ordinance challenged the constitutional right of assembly by giving the police the power to disperse anyone associated with gang members in public. Illustrates the importance of retaining Fifth Amendment rights even after pleading guilty in the case of Mitchell v. U.S. (CMK)

Contends that the juvenile court system should be abolished because its paternalistic underpinnings fundamentally are inconsistent with children's rights. Asserts that current theories of human rights are tied to competency, which has been used historically to exclude women and minority groups from the category of rights holders. (CFR)

Asserts that, although legal aid is only one program that provides legal services to poor people, there was a time in U.S. history when people who could not afford a lawyer had no way of solving disputes through the judicial system. Traces the history of legal aid from 1876 through the Great Depression and the Civil Rights movement until the…

Presents a flexible lesson plan integrating teaching about human rights into the existing curriculum about American Indians. Asserts that American Indians have the right to maintain their cultural ways and connects that subject to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Includes three lists of resources and references. (MJP)

Provides a concise overview of Canada's many provincial and federal human rights codes. The codes address issues of discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, and/or gender. Discusses the commissions that oversee these codes and gives examples of specific provisions. (MJP)

Asserts that providing poor people equal access to law is a worldwide problem. Identifies and discusses three systems of legal aid services in nations throughout the world. Includes a vocabulary chart and a special section on justice in South Africa. (CFR)

Describes the early history of the juvenile court system and ties it to the reforms of the U.S. Progressive Era. Examines the arguments of those who call for the abolition of juvenile courts. Concludes that much of the criticism is misplaced and that efforts should be made to make juvenile courts work rather than abolish them. (CFR)

Maintains that providing justice to people accused of a crime has evolved slowly over the centuries. Discusses the history of indigent defense in the United States. Includes vocabulary terms, a timeline, a list of "Heroes of Indigent Defense," reviews of significant court cases, and a discussion of legal services in five cities. (CFR)