Executing the Mentally Retarded essays

Executing the Mentally Retarded essays Is executing the mentally retarded Unconstitutional? Is sentencing execution upon a mentally retarded individual unconstitutional? This is a question that has recently been answered by the United States Supreme Court. According to Justice John Paul Stevens executing the mentally retarded is unconstitutional. These issues were stemmed from a recent trial in Virginia that dealt with a mentally retarded male who was sentenced to death. There are conflicting opinions on this issue, that have to do with the interpretation of the eighth amendment the moral views of the supreme court justices, and the citizens of the United States. One might ask, What is the definition of mentally retarded? According to an article written by the Dallas Morning News titled Justices to Review Death Penalty for Mentally Retarded Inmates, states currently use a test containing three questions to determine whether a person is mentally retarded. The first question; is the persons IQ less than 70? (An average persons IQ is 100.) The second question; was mental retardation diagnosed by the age of 18? This is to ensure that a prisoner wouldnt try to act as if he were mentally retarded to get out of being executed. Finally it needs to be determined if the person can function normally in society by his ability to hold a job, live on his or her own and maintain friendships. (Curriden 1) The eighth amendment states that Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment be inflicted. When stated cruel and unusual punishment, does this mean that executing the mentally retarded is unconstitutional? In 1989 the Supreme Court decided in the Penry V. Lynaugh case that executing the mentally retarded was allowed, and was not unconstitutional. (Shultz 2002) In 1996 Daryl Atkins, an 18-year-old man with an IQ of 59 was convicted of murdering Eric Nesbitt, ...

6 common traits of horrible bosses

6 common traits of horrible bosses While in a perfect world your boss would be a magical combination of friend and mentor, you’re very lucky if you land a gig where that’s the case. For the most part, bosses are just fine. Some are just mediocre and more or less tolerable. Some are good and make work a nice place to be every day. But then, in rare instances, you come across a boss who’s truly  awful. A terrible boss can ruin your life and derail your career. Do you despise your relationship with your boss and wonder if maybe you’re overreacting? Read on for 6 of the most common awful boss behaviors. If you recognize more than 2 of these, it might be time to look elsewhere for work to save your sanity.1. They micromanage every little task.Bosses are supposed to hire people they trust enough- based on their skills and experience- to do the job they’re hired to do. Then, they’re supposed to leave you a bit of room to actually do your job, rather than breathing over your shoulde r and confusing things- or just stressing you out. A good boss eases up and lets you fly. A bad boss attaches himself to your every move, all the time.2. They always take credit for others’ successes.Taking credit for the ideas of others is never a good habit. It’s especially vile in a boss, who is supposed to nurture their employees and help them achieve. If your boss likes to claim the credit for something you had a heavy hand in and bask in the glow of accolades after a success, that means she’s getting in the way of your limelight. It’s not just unfair, it’s detrimental to your career.3. They’re never satisfied with anything.No matter how many expectations you meet or succeed, it’s never enough for your boss. She finds a way to demean your efforts or to belittle them. She’s always wanting more. There never seems to be any room for positive feedback or recognition because the goalposts are always moving. If you stick around too long, your self esteem is going to drop dangerously low.4. They constantly manipulate you, but never enough to cross a line.Often, a terrible boss comes to understand just how much criticism you can handle without snapping, breaking, or quitting.  and sticks to that limit- again and again. He knows if she takes too much from you too fast, you’ll simply quit. But if he beats down your self worth and builds you back up, again and again, you might stay. Don’t.5. They hoard the knowledge and the power.Everything flows through your boss. All things are CC-ed. He has his hand in every project. And, most importantly, he is the only one with enough knowledge to see the big picture, or the whole scope of a project. If you and your team members are laboring in the dark, chances are your boss is keeping you there.6. They’re easily threatened.Anytime your boss’s authority is tested, she flips out. This is not normal behavior for a boss, particularly if that â⠂¬Å"threat† is just someone having an idea, or a conversation that doesn’t include her. Horrible bosses see other people’s successes as their losses. If your boss flies off the handle whenever she’s not #1, you’ll find yourself trying to hide your accomplishments, which is  not a way to build a career. Consider talking to human resources, requesting a transfer, or looking for a new gig if possible.