Few like pollution guidelines; business "up in arms" over proposed fines for corporate environmental crimes

Article Abstract:

The US Sentencing Commission draft of proposed sentences for corporate environmental crimes is ready for comment by the public and businesses have already claimed the draft guidelines are too harsh. The guidelines propose a formula for determining a fine including the defendant's expected economic gain from the offense and any pertinent aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Businesses are particularly unhappy that these fines might be levied in addition to restitution and civil penalties. The guidelines also specify requirements for compliance programs.

Remedies, Ethical aspects, Offenses against the environment, Environmental crimes, Corporate corruption, corporations

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Arts grant restrictions struck down; decision is the latest to find free-speech message in abortion-counseling case

Article Abstract:

US District Judge A. Wallace Tashima, on Jun 9, 1992, in Finley v National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), invalidated a law mandating that the NEA consider 'general standards of decency and respect for the diverse beliefs and values of the American Public' when deciding on grants. The judge held that the government may not restrict freedom of speech when making funding decisions. Tashima's decision is the direct opposite of the Supreme Court's decision in Rust v Sullivan, which limited government funding to abortion clinics.

Cases, Freedom of speech, Powers and duties, United States. National Endowment for the Arts

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27th Amendment ratified; congressional vote ends debate over 203-year-old pay-raise proposal

Article Abstract:

The US Constitution's 27th Amendment was ratified on May 7, 1992. This amendment mandates that if Congress passes a law giving its members a pay raise, legislators must stand for reelection before they can collect and was one of the 12 constitutional articles suggested in 1789 by James Madison. Congress' acceptance of the two-hundred-year-old amendment marks a precedent and raises concerns about the fate of other aged proposals to amend the Constitution.

Compensation and benefits, Political aspects, United States. Congress, Legislators, Constitutional amendments

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