The Battered Woman Syndrome and Criminal Law Essay

The purpose of this research paper is to prove that criminal law in America has failed to provide a defense that adequately protects women suffering from Battered Womens Syndrome. Battered Womens Syndrome, or BWS, is a very complex psychological problem facing criminal courts today and has caused great debate on whether or not it should even be allowed in the courtroom. Although the syndrome has been given more consideration as a warranted issue by society, those who create our laws and control our courtrooms, have not developed a defense that sufficiently protects these women. United States courtrooms, instead of protecting battered women, have put these women on trial and found them guilty of murder. The research is divided†¦show more content†¦This new issue led Del Martin to publish Battered Wives in 1976, the first piece written about battered women in the U.S. Although the research on battered women had just begun, many American courtrooms began dealing with these relatively new cases involving women as early as 1977. The famous case of State v. Wanrow (1977), resulted in the Washington State Supreme Court declaring the need for a more gender-based self-defense test. This case led to a greater approval of battered womens issues among the public and sparked renewed interest in psychological research (Downs pg. 77). Battered Womens Syndrome, although originating in part from the oppression of women, was initially developed by psychologists to help explain the behavior of women who were exposed to frequent and continuous abuse. The most highly recognized in the field of BWS, is psychologist Dr. Lenore Walker. Walker has dedicated most of her life to studying battered women and their victimization. Using the psychological theory of learned helplessness, Dr. Walker came up with her own hypothesis to explain why battered women behave the way they do (Dubin pg. 9). Walkers findings resulted in the theory known as the cycle of violence (Downs pg. 76). The cycle portrays three distinct phases in which battered women go through with their abusers. Phase One is known as the tension building phase. In this phaseShow MoreRelatedLavallees Case805 Words   |  4 Pages Criminal Law What principles with respect to women battering and self-defense have been established in Lavallees case? Most of the case law involving female offenders depend on the Supreme Court of Canadas verdict in Lavallee, which accepted proof that an offender had encountered violence elicited by the victim, , Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS), as applicable to the problem of self-defense. In the Lavallee case, proof was disclosed demonstrating that the offender had been exposed to years ofRead MoreBattered Woman Syndrome : The Perfect Defense Or Perfect Murder?1652 Words   |  7 PagesBattered Woman Syndrome: The Perfect Defense Or The Perfect Murder The standards of women and their rights have changed vastly over the years. In the 1800’s women were subject to whatever treatment a man felt necessary. Self-defense was not heard of and women did not dare stand up for themselves. In the modern age of today women have the right to be treated just like everyone else is, with respect. Although women have more rights in today’s society and have the right to stand up for themselves thatRead MoreJustice For The Beaten Down Victims Of Murder925 Words   |  4 PagesJustice For The Beaten Down Victims of Murder â€Å"Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted or beaten† (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). With that statistic there are roughly 9,600 chances every single day in just the United States alone that a woman could be killed at the hands of her abuser. At what point in killing an abusive husband in self-defense cross the line and become murder worthy of punishment? Is it after you finally shoot your alcoholic, abusive husband toRead MoreGeneral Characteristics of Battered Woman Syndrome1700 Words   |  7 Pages Battered Woman Syndrome An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. A surfacing psychological condition known as Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS), develops after experiencing physical and emotional abuse over an extended period of time. BWS has been subcategorized as a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, proving that it is indeed, a very serious and severe condition. Battered Woman Syndrome causes severe, emotional and psychological trauma inRead MoreA Case Witness For Battered Woman Syndrome1410 Words   |  6 Pagessubjects of criminal law. I found that our studies on assault, battery, and other crimes against the person to be the most interesting. To me this subject was the most compelling because I was unaware of many of the requirements that constitutes assault, battery, kidnapping, etc. I also found it interesting because this particular subject was relevant and useful for Business Law, a class I am enrolled in at my high school. In Business Law, we were to participate in a mock trial of a woman who claimedRead MoreBattered Women’s Syndrome Plea and a Defendants Financial Dependence: Evaluating Legal Decisions1383 Words   |  6 PagesWhen battered woman’s syndrome has been used as a plea of self-defense, especially in cases of homicide, it has highly been scrutinized. According to recent research, characteristics associated with the syndrome form a standard that jurors use to judge battered women. This study would evaluate how characteristics of a defendant would affect a juror’s legal decision-making, in a case of a woman pleading not guilty under terms of self-defense, who were suffering from battered woman’s syndrome. ToRead MoreThe Controversial Concept Of Battered Woman Syndrome1121 Words   |  5 PagesBattered Woman Syndrome The controversial concept of Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS) is a psychological theory that aims to explain the behavior of certain women who suffer abuse from their husbands, partners, or significant others. The theory was first proposed and introduced by Dr. Lenore Walker in the 1970’s based on her clinical observations. It then quickly became a common way to validate criminal behavior of women who were charged with the murder of their partner, however since the syndromeRead MoreBattered Wife Syndrome1487 Words   |  6 Pagesillogical. Battered wife syndrome (a condition created by sustained physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, which creates a variety of physical and emotional symptoms) has been used as a defence in murder cases in which women have killed or harmed their abuser. Although expert testimony regarding battered wife syndrome has gained some acceptance in the courts, it is questionable that it provides enough solid and substantive evidence to be used as a cre dible defence. The battered wife syndrome defenceRead MoreDomestic Violence Is Not Only About Using Physical Force2501 Words   |  11 PagesI. Introduction Domestic violence is considered a crime in the United States and in many other countries around the world. Every 15 seconds, there is a woman being beaten by her husband or intimate partner. When we think of domestic violence, our minds automatically create an image of a male physically abusing a female. Although in most cases the victim is usually a female, we must also be aware that in today’s society, men are also victims of domestic violence. According to the Bureau of JusticeRead MoreIs Battered Person Syndrome?2020 Words   |  9 PagesEven though Battered Person/Women Syndrome is now more of an accepted argument within a court of law through the testimony of experts of how this Syndrome results in a great deal of psychological abuse and stress, there is still controversy surrounding it. Evidently the court of public opinion is still unsure where to side on this issue as there is still no definite legal definition of battered person syndrome, which relates to the Oakes Test through the limited text within the Criminal Code. This

Introduction Of Business Law Coursework Assignment

Introduction to Business Law Coursework Assignment Question 1 Part 1: In the English system, there are two laws that have a huge and fundamental impact on the English law. These two laws are the most common type of laws that are carried out within the court, either in Crown Court or the Magistrate’s Court. Depending on the seriousness of the damage caused by the breaking the law, not all prosecutions are carried out in the Crown Court. The English Law coincides within two countries of Great Britain and they are England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The English common law is made up of judges sitting in court and applying laws and rights to the facts that are presented to them. The first law which is the civil law deal with matters between the individuals such as friends, family or business partners. This type of law will deal with areas such as breaching a contract, tort of negligence or the selling and supplying of goods within a business or even a small shop. Civil law is derived and originated within Europe which its original framework started off within the late Roman law. Civil Law is different compared to Criminal Law due to the prosecutions being different. Civil Law would prosecute a certain individual which would mainly be compensations for damages caused. On the other hand, Criminal Law is completely different compared to Civil Law and has a different way of prosecuting individuals to minor or major crimes that they have caused. No matter in which partShow MoreRelatedEssay On Professional Development1194 Words   |  5 PagesProfessional Development System for Adjunct Instructors of University Coursework Staffing Needs Considerations ABA Technologies, Inc. contracts to provide university online courses for professional development, various certifications and a hybrid Master of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis. In addition, my company provides professional consults, workshops, and webinars. Currently we have a core group of approximately 16 full time employees, three, part timers, and 35 contracted adjunct instructorsRead MoreThe Human Rights Act3299 Words   |  14 Pagesâ€Å"What are we to make then of the promise of the Human Rights Act that it would provide for better protection of civil liberties?† KD Ewing The Futility of the Human Rights Act (2004) Public Law Background to the Human Rights Act (HRA) The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) was granted royal assent on the 9th November 1998, however, it was not fully implemented until the 2nd of October 2000. Previous to the implementation of the HRA , anyone who wanted to challenge the decision of the UK GovernmentRead MoreRooms division assignment1917 Words   |  8 PagesName BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management Unit number 6 Unit Name Rooms Division Operations Management (Unit 6) Credit Value 15 Lecturers K.Fallah Hand Out/Issue Date September/2013 Submission Deadline Introduction The aim of these assignments are to assess the outcome of students’ learning in terms of knowledge acquired, understanding developed and skills or abilities gained in relation to achieve the learning outcomes (LO) and assessment criteria with reference to gradeRead MoreStrategic Essay3725 Words   |  15 PagesSUBJECT OUTLINE 27324 Strategic Management in Leisure, Sport and Tourism Organisations Course area Delivery Result type UTS: Business Autumn 2013; Kuring-gai Grade and marks Credit points 6cp Subject coordinator Dr Katie Schlenker Ph: 9514 5303 Fax: 9514 5195 Email: Katie.Schlenker@uts.edu.au TUTORS Ashlee Morgan Email: Ashlee.Morgan@uts.edu.au Barbara Almond Email: Barbara.Almond-1@uts.edu.au LECTURE: Thursday 10:00 – 12:00; KG02.04.16 TUTORIALS: Thursday 12:00 – 13:00; KG02.04.64 – AshleeRead MoreTransferable Skills in workplace1508 Words   |  7 PagesTransferable Skills in Workplace Introduction As a student, it never too soon to look at the job market in which you will be operating as a job seeker, and at what can help you to maximize the chance of having a profitable job. To be attractive to the employer is that students have to acquire during the school time. Nowadays, there have been many researches on employability, which is generally regarded as a broader concept of skills in the workplace. According to the definition given by the HigherRead MoreModern Britain Essay3887 Words   |  16 Pagesforum for discussion. Assessment: The course is assessed through a combination of coursework, essay and examination as follows: †¢ Four pieces of course work, worth 10% each (500-700 words) †¢ One essay 35% (2000 words) †¢ One exam 25% (2 hours) Course work: 1 assignment on your expectations of Britain (completed before you arrive) 3 assignments on your fieldtrips Assignments will be given to you in the session before your field trip. |Essay Questions: Read MoreQuestions On The Importance Of Auditor Independence2598 Words   |  11 PagesTable of Contents 1. Introduction: 2 2. What is an Audit? 2 3. Importance of Auditor Independence: 2 †¢ Financial Information Reliability: 3 †¢ Financial Information Credibility: 3 †¢ Value for Money of Audit Work: 3 †¢ Threats to Professional Standards: 3 4. Fundamental Principles of Ethics: 3 †¢ Integrity: 3 †¢ Objectivity: 3 †¢ Professional Competence and due care: 3 †¢ Confidentiality: 4 †¢ Professional Behaviour: 4 5. Threats to Auditor’s Independence: 4 †¢ Self Interest Threats: 4 †¢ Self Review Threats:Read MoreCultural Considerations Remote or Robotic Surgery Essay4017 Words   |  17 Pagesweek. The first deliverable is due on the Sunday of Week 1, so students must get organized and into the project immediately. Each team will select a Team Leader, who will be responsible for the coordination of the research and the submission of assignments. Team members will remain on the assigned team throughout the duration of the class (in the project world, project managers seldom have the opportunity to select their own team members!). It is highly recommended that each team develop its own TeamRead MoreSystems, Society and Sustainability Essay3714 Words   |  15 PagesInstitution of Civil Engineers: Engineering Sustainability 164 pp. 177-184. Tools for Arup and Engineers Against Poverty (EAP), Aspire sustainable – Research and Development Manual, development accessed online on September 2012 Elkington J. (1999) Introduction: Is capitalism sustainable, Chapter 1 in Cannibals With Forks Oxford, Capstone, pp. 17-40. Environmental Hay P. (2002) Ecofeminism, Chapter 3 in A ethics and nature Companion to Environmental Thought Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 72-93Read MoreEssay about HND Unit 4 Marketing Principles Assignment4160 Words   |  17 Pagesï » ¿ Introduction For this coursework assignment I will demonstrate that I required a good knowledge and understanding of the concepts and process of marketing by carrying out the task given. This will be showed with examples of theory applicable to a company of my choosing. For this task examples will be related to Apple Inc. organization. Incorporated in January 1977 as Apple Computer, Inc. todays Apple Inc. designs, produces and markets media and mobile communication

Pathophysiology of Asthma †Essay Free Essays

Exam Case Scenario Pathophysiology of Asthma Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes in which the bronchioles constrict due to oversensitivity. In asthma, the airways (bronchioles) constrict making it difficult to get air in or out of the lungs. Breathlessness is the main symptom. We will write a custom essay sample on Pathophysiology of Asthma – Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now The bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed and constricted. Asthmatics usually react to triggers. Triggers are substances and situations that would not normally trouble an asthma free person. Asthma is either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic is when the inflammation in the airway is a result of hypersensitivity reactions associated with allergy (food or pollen). Intrinsic asthma is linked to hyper responsive reactions to other forms of stimuli like infection. Or they can have a combination of both. The bronchi and bronchioles contain smooth muscle and are lined with mucus-secreting glands (goblet cells) and ciliated cells (push the mucus towards the throat). Next to the airways blood supply there are lots of mast cells. Once they become stimulated the mast cells release a number of cytokines (chemical messengers), which cause physiological changes to the lining of the bronchi and bronchioles. Three such protein cytokines are histamine, kinins and prostaglandins (leukotrienes) which cause smooth muscle contraction, increased mucus production and capillary permeability. The airways soon narrow and become flooded with mucus and fluid leaking from the blood vessels. Airflow becomes obstructed resulting in a wheeze. As the airways become obstructed the patient will become fatigue and their respiratory effort becomes weak and inadequate causing hypoxaemia and hypercapnia. Airway – Assess the airway. If the patient is talking this means they have a patent (clear) airway therefore they are breathing and have brain perfusion. Look and listen for signs of airway obstruction. A partial obstruction is often noisy, and in complete airway obstruction there are no breath sounds. Maintain and monitor the airway and report any changes. If the airway does become compromised suction or sit the patient up. If the patient’s level of conscious has altered carry out the head tilt and chin lift. If you have had airway management training insert an oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway. Breathing – Count the respiratory rate over 1 minute. The normal range is between 14 – 20 resps per min. A high respiratory rate (tachypnoea) indicates that the patient is unwell and that the patient is struggling to breath. Evaluate the rate, rhythm and depth of the breathing. Make sure the patient’s chest is moving equally on both sides (symmetrical), if not this could indicate a pneumothorax. Observe to see if the patient is using his or hers accessory muscle to breath (if the patient feels they are having difficulty getting enough oxygen, their body begins to clench these muscles every time they breath in an attempt to acquire more air) as this could be a sign of respiratory distress. Monitor the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) using a pulse oximeter. A low SpO2 reading can indicate that the patient is in respiratory distress. Give oxygen as prescribed using a venturi mask. Check the colour of the patient’s lips and tongue, central cyanosis indicates lack of oxygen to the skin. Listen to the patients breathing, breath sounds are normally quite. Any abnormal sounds such as wheezing suggest that there could be a fluid build up in the lungs. Circulation – Palpate the radial pulse, assessing for the rate, quality and rhythm. The normal range for this is between 60-100 beats per min. An elevated pulse rate can be due to the patient being in pain, anxiety or a sign of an infection. Take the patient’s blood pressure and insure that this is within the normal range (100/60 – 140/90 mmHg). Look at the patient’s colour in their hands and fingers, and check if the patient feels warm or cool. Measure the capillary refill time (CRT). Apply pressure to a fingertip, held at a level of the heart, for 5 seconds so that the skin becomes blanched and then release. Measure how long it takes for the colour to return. The normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds, anything over indicates reduced skin perfusion. Ask the patient if they have any chest pain, if so begin a ECG monitoring. Take the patients temperature. The normal range for this is 36-37. 5 degrees Celsius. A high temperature can be a sign of infection. The doctor may also like to re-take the patient’s Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) because previous results showed respiratory acidosis. Disability – Assessment of disability involves evaluating the patient’s central nervous system function. Assess the patient’s level of consciousness using the AVPU scale. Talk to the patient if they are alert and talking they are classified as A. If the patient is not fully awake establish whether they respond to the sound of your voice (opening their eyes, making any sounds) if they do they are classified as V. If the patient does not respond to voice administer a painful stimulus (gently rubbing the sternum bone). If they respond they are a P on the AVPU scale. And finally if they do not respond to any of the above they are a U, you should then move onto the more detailed Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). You will assess the patient’s pupils (eyes) and motor responses (arms and legs) among other things to give the patient a score out of 15 (15 being the highest). A GCS of fewer than 8 is a medical emergency and you would then have to go back to assessing the patient’s airway. Exposure – It may be necessary to undress the patient, taking care to maintain their dignity at all time, in order to undertake a thorough head to toe check, looking out for any signs of DVT, sores or rashes. Always gain consent before any procedure so always keep the patient informed of what it is you are doing. Reassure the patient to reduce anxiety and try to make them as comfortable as possible. Ask the patient if they are in any pain and get the doctor to prescribe an appropriate analgesia. If the doctor has prescribed the patient antibiotics ensure that blood cultures are done prior to giving the patient their antibiotics, this will give an accurate result from the lab. Give the patient any other due medication making sure to ask if they have any known allergies. Regular peak flows should be done on the patient pre and post medication, this will tell us if the medication being given to the patient is working or not. Spirometry test will show how well the patient breathes in and out and it is also used to monitor the severity of some lung conditions, and their response to treatment. Take a mid stream urine sample from the patient and dip stick, depending on the results send down to the lab. The doctor might also want a chest x ray from the patient. Complete all the relevant risk assessment such as the Waterlow score (patients are classified according to their risk of developing a pressure sore), the MUST score (screening tool to identify adults who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition), falls risk assessment (what the chances are of the patient falling) and Moving and Handling (if the nurses are required to use any equipment on the patient). And the patient’s hygiene needs must be assessed and if necessary an appropriate nursing plan must be put into place. Start the patient on a fluid chart, making sure to write down any IV fluids that they have. The cannula site must be checked and the patient must have a VIP score to make sure there are no signs of phlebitis. A sputum sample must also be collected and sent to the lab. Carry out a blood glucose test to ensure that the patient’s blood glucose levels are within normal ranges (4-7 mmol/l). A referral should be made to the respiratory nurse who will provide support to patients who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases. Give patient advice to avoid any triggers that they are aware of, advice on medication and if relevant give advice on smoking cessation. Symbicort combination inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol Inhalers are used to deliver drugs to relieve or prevent the symptoms of asthma. Budesonide – Corticosteroid drug used in an inhaler to prevent attacks of asthma but will not stop an existing attack. Budesonide is used by patients whose asthma is not controlled by bronchodilators alone. Budesonide controls symptoms by reducing inflammation in the swollen inner layers of the airways. By suppressing airway inflammation they reduce the swelling (oedema) inside the bronchioles. There are fewer side effects to the drug when inhaled because it is absorbed by the body in much smaller quantities than when it is taken orally. Budesonide is usually taken twice a day and normally lasts between 12 to 24 hours. Asthma prevention is the condition for which prolonged use may be required. There may be a small risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and effects on bone with high doses inhaled for a prolonged period. Side effects include a cough, sore throat Formoterol – Bronchodilator’s are prescribed to widen the bronchioles and improve breathing. Bronchodilator drugs act by relaxing the muscles surrounding the bronchioles. Formoterol is from the sympathomimetic group which is mainly used for the rapid relief of breathlessness. Sympathomimetic drugs interfere with nerve signals passed to the muscle through the autonomic nervous system. Because sympathomimetic drugs stimulate a branch of the autonomic nervous system that controls the heart rate, the patient may sometimes feel palpitations or trembling. People with heart problems, high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid gland will have to be extra cautious. Salbutamol inhaler/nebuliser Salbutamol is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator that relaxes the muscle surrounding the bronchioles. It is used to relieve symptoms of asthma. Inhalation is considered more effective because the drug is delivered directly to the bronchioles, thus giving rapid relief, allowing smaller doses and causing fewer side effects. Compared to some similar drugs it has little stimulant effect on the heart rate and blood pressure, making it safer for people with heart problems. Salbutamol is usually taken 1-2 inhalations 3-4 times a day, usually starts working within 5-15 min and can last up to 6 hours. The most common side effect of salbutamol is fine tremor of the hands also anxiety, tension and restlessness may occur. Prednisolone A powerful corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress allergic reactions and immune system activity. Corticosteroid drugs reduce inflammation by blocking the action of chemicals called prostaglandins that are responsible for triggering the inflammatory response. These drugs also temporarily depress the immune system by reducing the activity of certain types of white blood cell. Because corticosteroids suppress the immune system, they increase susceptibility to infection. They also suppress symptoms of infectious disease. IV Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid used in the treatment of a variety of allergic and inflammatory conditions. Hydrocortisone is chemically identical to the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Prolonged high dosage may cause diabetes, glaucoma, fragile bones and thin skin. Aminophylline Aminophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat bronchospasm (constriction of the air passages) in patients suffering from asthma. It can be used to treat acute attacks. Slow-release formulations of the drugs produce beneficial effects lasting for up to 12 hours, they are also useful taken at night to prevent night-time asthma and early morning wheezing. Side effects are headaches and nausea. Smoking and alcohol increase excretion of xanthines from the body, reducing their effects. How to cite Pathophysiology of Asthma – Essay, Essay examples