http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/legal_issues/ Legal issues pertaining to science, the environment and health. Read the latest scientific research. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/legal_issues/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172805.htm New research suggests that unrelated individuals may be mistakenly identified as genetic family members due to inaccurate genetic assumptions. This is particularly relevant when considering familial searching: a new technique which extends forensic identification to family members of individuals with profiles in offender/arrestee DNA databases. In a new study, researchers show that false familial identification may be more likely for individuals with particular genetic backgrounds; for example, in the USA, those of Asian or Native American descent. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209172805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125151841.htm Your genes could be a strong predictor of whether you stray into a life of crime, according to a new research paper. The study focused on whether genes are likely to cause a person to become a life-course persistent offender, which is characterized by antisocial behavior during childhood that can later progress to violent or serious criminal acts later in life. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125151841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184154.htm In an essay that expands on a previous proposal to use the courts to prosecute those involved in ghostwriting on the basis of it being legal fraud, Xavier Bosch from the University of Barcelona, Spain and colleagues lay out three outline specific areas of legal liability in this week's PLoS Medicine. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124184154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm In cultures that permit men to take multiple wives, the intra-sexual competition that occurs causes greater levels of crime, violence, poverty and gender inequality than in societies that institutionalize and practice monogamous marriage. That is a key finding of a new study that explores the global rise of monogamous marriage as a dominant cultural institution. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamous marriage is rapidly replacing polygamy because it has lower levels of inherent social problems. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm A smuggler using a public bus to transport a veritable aviary of rare birds for the illegal pet trade was recently arrested by Indonesian authorities. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105143305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091640.htm The sustainable development goals of community conservation in Zanzibar raise more complex issues than just protecting monkeys and mangroves. Contingent socio-economic and cultural factors must be taken into account when planning and implementing conservation initiatives if they are to endure, let alone succeed. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm Catching terrorists who detonate bombs may be easier by testing the containers that hide the bombs rather than the actual explosives, according to pioneering research. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121400.htm Researchers have shown that the more cohesive a group appears -- be it a corporation, political party, governmental entity, pro sports team or other organization -- the more likely it is that people will hold its members less responsible for their own individual actions. The study area raises questions about decision-making, blame, moral judgment and the effects of a strong brand image. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101251.htm A recent study shows that, over the last two decades, areas with the greatest decrease in African great ape populations are those with no active protection from poaching by forest guards. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115252.htm New discoveries in "marine forensics" will allow federal seafood agents to genetically test blue marlin to quickly and accurately determine their ocean of origin. The test is needed to ensure that the blue marlin sold in US seafood markets were not taken from the Atlantic Ocean. Regulation of Atlantic blues reflects overfishing and a troubling drop in population. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155531.htm Individuals and courts deal more harshly with people who actively commit harm than with people who willfully allow the same harm to occur. A new study finds that this moral distinction is psychologically automatic. It requires more thought to see each harmful behavior as morally equivalent. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112034.htm “Would legal regulation and control of drugs better protect children?” is a question posed by former President of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso in a new editorial. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116151333.htm A man with a low IQ confesses to a gruesome crime. Confession in hand, the police send his blood to a lab to confirm that his blood type matches the semen found at the scene. It does not. The forensic examiner testifies later that one blood type can change to another with disintegration. This is untrue. The newspaper reports the story, including the time the man says the murder took place. Two witnesses tell the police they saw the woman alive after that. The police send them home, saying they "must have seen a ghost." After 16 years in prison, the falsely convicted man is exonerated by DNA evidence. How could this happen? A new study examines how false confessions can corrupt evidence. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116151333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125638.htm The traditional reputation of judges as out-of-touch and pompous is no longer deserved, according to an expert who gained unprecedented access to every tier of the British judiciary. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110125638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081347.htm What is it about copyright that doesn’t work in the digital society? Why do millions of people think it’s OK to break the law when it comes to file sharing in particular? A sociology of law researcher believes that legal metaphors and old-fashioned mindsets contribute to the confusion and widening gaps between legislation and the prevailing norms. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121234.htm Mathematicians working with the Los Angeles Police Department to analyze crime patterns have designed a mathematical algorithm to identify street gangs involved in unsolved violent crimes -- the first scholarly study of gang violence of its kind. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026143807.htm Half of Americans are confronting a civil legal problem at any one time, according to one estimate. Without access to legal assistance, they may lose a home, a job, maybe custody of a child. For those with limited means, however, getting those services depends not on their need but where they live, says the lead author of a first-of-its-kind report. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026143807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025210917.htm While smoking remains legal, the number of smokers is never going to fall significantly, argues a public health doctor. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025210917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024123006.htm A new study by economist Brian Knight explores the state-to-state flow of illegal firearms in America and examines the role of state gun regulations. He presents evidence of spillover effects associated with gun regulations, as with guns originating in Indiana and recovered during crime investigations in Illinois. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024123006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014095629.htm If courts were able to award appropriate punitive damages that punish wrongdoers at a level tied to a company's financial worth, then businesses big and small would be at risk of being put out of business by punitive damages unconscionable offenses and would be deterred from bad behavior in the first place, according to one expert. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014095629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080034.htm A new study into the use of social media in street protests and riots has revealed how it is effective for both protesters and police. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012185621.htm Television ads featuring cute chimpanzees wearing human clothes are likely to distort the public's perception of the endangered animals and hinder conservation efforts, according to researchers. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012185621.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113802.htm Researchers have long claimed that physical abuse and marginalization lead to criminal activity. However, women in prison are taught to overlook socioeconomic issues and blame only themselves for their behavior, according to a new study. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011145711.htm Biometrics experts are developing a tool that can help law enforcement and military officials identify suspicious individuals at crime scenes. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011145711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010212010.htm More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the effect of recent reforms on hospital quality, let alone about the merits of the coalition government's proposals to extend competition, warn UK experts. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010212010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113944.htm Contrary to the traditional views of the music industry, removal of digital rights management restrictions can actually decrease piracy, according to new research. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161333.htm When a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, the public trust doctrine -- the principle that government must conserve natural resources for the public good -- should guide state management of wildlife, scientists say. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927192347.htm New online research reveals that over 200,000 people living in Britain may have fallen victim to online romance scams -- far more than had been previously estimated. The study is believed to be the first formal academic analysis to measure the scale of this growing problem. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927192347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919101926.htm Researchers in the U.S. are proposing a health-based approach to identifying groups at high risk of genocide, in a first-of-its-kind attempt to target international efforts to stop these mass killings before they start. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919101926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914105757.htm Criminality can be an indicator of a higher risk of suicide in young people. A new study shows that repeat offenders between the ages of 15 and 19 are three times more likely to commit suicide than young people who have not been convicted for a crime during these years. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914105757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909141635.htm Human DNA found on deer remains could help to track down poachers. Identifying deer poachers can be problematic, as the crimes are often committed in remote areas and are not discovered until some time after the event. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909141635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163912.htm Violent crime could be reduced significantly if policymakers at the local level limit the number of neighborhood liquor stores and ban the sale of single-serve containers of alcoholic beverages, according to separate U.S. studies. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830213619.htm Scientists report the development of much needed new tests to help cope with a wave of deaths, emergency room visits and other problems from a new genre of dangerous designer drugs sold legally in stores and online that mimic the effects of cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830213619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830165016.htm Two new studies cast doubt on whether sex offender registry and notification laws actually work as intended. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830165016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829131302.htm Health Canada is not prevented by law from publicly disclosing safety and efficacy data from clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices and should be more transparent, states a new analysis. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829131302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828171208.htm In this International Year of Chemistry (IYC), writers and producers for the most popular crime and science-related television shows and movies are putting out an all-points bulletin for scientists to advise them on the accuracy of their plots and to even give them story ideas. Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828171208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822091859.htm Happy youth report less involvement with crime, and programs that increase happiness could deter crime and drug use. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822091859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110820135256.htm Elementary, middle, and high schools with large minority populations -- but not necessarily higher crime rates -- are far more likely than others to require students and visitors to pass through metal detectors, according to new research. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110820135256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815101535.htm A new study uses -- for the first time -- recorded jailhouse telephone conversations between men charged with felony domestic violence and their victims to help reveal why some victims decide not to follow through on the charges. Researchers listened to telephone conversations between 17 accused male abusers in a Washington state detention facility and their female victims, all of whom decided to withdraw their accusations of abuse.  Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815101535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808115416.htm Professors have developed a high-powered context-based search algorithm to analyze digital data on-the-fly to support ongoing criminal investigations. The research not only gives crime-fighters a new tool, but also may be used for more legitimate location-based marketing. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808115416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805135337.htm Almost 1 million criminal cases may be compromised each year in the United States because suspects don't understand their constitutional rights, according to new research. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110805135337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803174742.htm A new survey reveals that many people in the US -- in some cases a substantial majority -- think that memory is more powerful, objective and reliable than it actually is. Their ideas are at odds with decades of scientific research. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803174742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802180820.htm Two law professors argue that academics who "lend" their names, and receive substantial credit, as guest authors of medical and scientific articles ghostwritten by industry writers, should be charged with professional and academic misconduct and fraud, even if they contain factually correct information. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802180820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801132535.htm Researchers have found that financial and domestic problems escalate for those who settle claims for work-related back injuries, striking African-Americans, the poor and the young hardest. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801132535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175002.htm A pioneering technology to detect fingermarks at crime scenes, which provides additional information about a suspect, is a step closer to being incorporated into traditional forensic investigations in the UK. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727122702.htm An immense and increasingly sophisticated illegal trade in wildlife parts conducted by organized crime, coupled with antiquated enforcement methods, are decimating the world's most beloved species including rhinos, tigers and elephants on a scale never before seen. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727122702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726092136.htm Parents who move to the United States without legal status generally seek better opportunities for their young children. But a new survey of life trajectories of undocumented young adults raised and educated in America shows that they end up with the same labor jobs as their parents, working in construction, restaurants, cleaning and childcare services. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726092136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720205944.htm Engineers in the UK have for the first time created a way of measuring how much force is used during a stabbing using a broken bottle. The advance is expected to have significant implications for legal forensics. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720205944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713182221.htm How influential are mass media portrayals of chimpanzees in television, movies, advertisements and greeting cards on public perceptions of this endangered species? That is what researchers sought to uncover in a new U.S. nationwide study. Their findings reveal the significant role that media plays in creating widespread misunderstandings about the conservation status and nature of this great ape. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713182221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104759.htm Most recidivism research focuses on characteristics of the offender to determine the likelihood of repeat criminal activity. Researchers are presenting recidivism research that instead looks at success factors of those residential programs (e.g., halfway houses) most likely to reduce recidivism. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110711104759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627184002.htm With the threats of cybercrime, cyberterrorism and cyberwarfare looming over our hyper-connected world, the best defense for the U.S. might be a good offense, says new research by an expert in technology and legal issues. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627184002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622224459.htm Self-conscious about your age? Careful where you spit. Geneticists now can use saliva to reveal how old you are. The findings suggest a myriad of potential applications, including the development of a new forensic tool for pinpointing a suspect's age in crime-scene investigations. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622224459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121314.htm Because strong evidence indicates that policies beyond the health sector have substantial effects on people's health, all levels of US government should adopt a structured approach to considering the health effects of any major legislation or regulation, says a new report. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615120238.htm Young adults who are web savvy, but lack knowledge about federal government, may struggle to use the web for political participation, according to researchers. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615120238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615080213.htm Scientists have used 3D images derived from post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) scans as an aid to demonstrate injuries to a jury for the first time in evidence at a UK trial. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615080213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609122923.htm Any legislation that slows human embryonic stem cell research is likely to also seriously harm the study of induced pluripotent stem cells, according to a new analysis. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609122923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608153540.htm Using forensic genetics techniques, the University of Arizona's Conservation Genetics Lab is working to protect wild animals and catch the criminals in cases of wildlife crime. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608153540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607152657.htm Sex work is unprotected, increasingly dangerous and needs to be decriminalized, according to a new report published in the Canadian Review of Sociology. The study calls for sweeping changes to sex work performed on and off the streets. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607152657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607094522.htm An analysis linking federal bankruptcy court records to cancer registry data from nearly 232,000 adult cancer cases in western Washington during a 14-year period has found a hidden cost to survival: Insolvency rates increase along with the length of survival. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607094522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524070313.htm Physicists have worked out a system that can often determine exactly where blood spatters originate, a critical piece of evidence in not only solving a crime but securing a conviction. Tue, 24 May 2011 07:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110524070313.htm