Böcker i Point/Counterpoint: Issues in Contemporary American Society-serien

More than 1 million US households declared bankruptcy in 2004. Alarmed by rising defaults, the nation's lenders and political leaders set out to reform laws that clear away debt. Is this political action timely consumer protection or an unwarranted corporate bailout? This title covers these issues, examining each from different perspectives.

As the adverse effects of secondhand smoke on nonsmokers' health have become clear, more places have banned smoking. Smokers, however, have begun to fight back against the local laws banning smoking from public places. This book explores this issue from various angles with statistics, arguments, and information about legislation.

Hurricane Katrina brought to light many questions about Americans' preparedness for handling large-scale disasters: Is FEMA effective? Are the local, state, and federal governments sufficiently coordinated? Examining issues from various perspectives, this work offers students the tools to form their own opinions by bringing such events into focus.

What sort of rights are entailed in the ownership of private property? Exploring this debate, this objective guide aims to enhance readers' understanding of this pivotal issue.

The public education system in the United States has always been a pressing matter, subject to continuous debate. Sweeping educational reforms passed in 2001 sharply divided teachers and policy makers over the direction of our nation's schools. This work explores both sides of the debate surrounding this critical issue.

The movement for prisoners' rights is based on the idea that prisoners, though they are deprived of liberty, are entitled to other basic human rights. What rights and privileges should be accorded to those who are incarcerated? This work examines this issue from different perspectives, incorporating excerpts from legal documents, and court cases.

The Miranda warnings became part of the common lexicon after the Supreme Court decision in Miranda v Arizona in 1966. This book examines both sides of Miranda-related questions: Is the Miranda decision a violation of separation of powers or the concept of federalism? Does making mandatory the reading of the rules free guilty criminals? And more.

The United States admits between 700,000 and 900,000 legal immigrants per year, and millions of long and short-term visitors. But since September 11, 2001, rules regarding immigration have been tightened as part of ongoing anti-terrorism efforts. This work explores these changes and the controversies that surround them.

As it has become easier for more and more people to go online, Internet crime has also increased. Some users view the World Wide Web as an opportunity for crime against millions of unsuspecting victims. This title helps to explore these issues and others pertaining to online crime.

Hate crimes are crimes that are motivated by hate or prejudice, whether it is based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender. Many people argue that hate crimes should carry extra penalties. Opponents of hate-crime laws argue that extra penalties amount to prosecuting people for thought crimes. This work examines both sides of the debate.

The war on terror has been in effect since 2002, when United States troops first invaded Afghanistan. War efforts have expanded from military action to legislation such as the PATRIOT Act and domestic applications. This book examines these issues with statistics, legal opinions, and information about legislation.

Explores the debate over what rights gay individuals should have, including marriage, protection from institutionalized discrimination, and military policy. Thought provoking questions on personal situations and public policy are set within text to encourage reader engagement.

Explores the criticisms that the current welfare system is anti-work and anti-family and discusses the proposed plans to reform it.

In the wake of 9/11, the question of how much the government should tell the people has become a controversial one. Ages 16+.