Integrating Information Literacy into the Virtual University: A Course Model

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An Independent Calibration of Stellar Ages: HST Observations of White Dwarfs at V=25

The white dwarf luminosity function of a stellar cluster will have a sharp truncation at a luminosity which is determined by the time since formation of the first white dwarfs in that cluster. Calculation of the dependence of this limiting luminosity on age requires relatively well-understood physics and is independent of stellar evolutionary models. Thus, measurement of the termination of the white dwarf luminosity function provides an independent method to determine the age of a cluster, and thereby to calibrate stellar evolutionary ages. We have obtained HST WFPC2 data in two open clusters, identified the white dwarf sequence, and proved the feasibility of this approach, by detecting white dwarfs to V=25. Much deeper data are feasible. From our present limited data, we show that degenerate cooling ages are not consistent with some published isochrone ages for clusters with ages of order 1Gyr.Comment: 5 pages plus 3 figures ps format, paper in press in MNRAS: previous attempt lost the tex

Culture and Contempt: The Limitations of Expressive Criminal Law

This Article will attempt to highlight certain important features of the expressive function of criminal law that have been neglected. Bringing these elements into higher relief will add to our understanding of how expressive criminal law works and, in particular, how it can fail to work as intended. This article will look closely at one example of the operation of expressive criminal law. The example comes from the area of criminal drug policy, and will examine how expressive drug laws have functioned in the street subculture of urban minority communities. Part II, describes street ideology and the social meanings of crack dealing and marijuana use. In addition to traditional works of urban sociology, this article will also examine a variety of primary sources, including hip hop music, movies, magazines, poetry, and memoirs. Part III, will outline a few relevant concepts from sociological theory, including strain theory, differential association, labeling theory, and theories of symbolic action. These concepts will help explain why expressive criminal law can have counter-productive effects. Part IV will apply the conclusions of Parts II and III to law and norms scholarship

Culture and Contempt: The Limitations of Expressive Criminal Law

This Article will attempt to highlight certain important features of the expressive function of criminal law that have been neglected. Bringing these elements into higher relief will add to our understanding of how expressive criminal law works and, in particular, how it can fail to work as intended. This article will look closely at one example of the operation of expressive criminal law. The example comes from the area of criminal drug policy, and will examine how expressive drug laws have functioned in the street subculture of urban minority communities. Part II, describes street ideology and the social meanings of crack dealing and marijuana use. In addition to traditional works of urban sociology, this article will also examine a variety of primary sources, including hip hop music, movies, magazines, poetry, and memoirs. Part III, will outline a few relevant concepts from sociological theory, including strain theory, differential association, labeling theory, and theories of symbolic action. These concepts will help explain why expressive criminal law can have counter-productive effects. Part IV will apply the conclusions of Parts II and III to law and norms scholarship

Mens Rea in Minnesota and the Model Penal Code

When Minnesota engaged in the great reform and recodification effort that led to the Criminal Code of 1963, it was part of a nationwide reform movement. That movement was spurred in large part by the American Law Institute and its Model Penal Code. The Minnesota drafters were influenced by the MPC, and at least in some areas, adopted MPC recommendations. The MPC’s most significant innovation was in the law of mens rea—the body of law concerning the mental state or “guilty mind” necessary for criminal liability. The MPC drafters recognized that the common law of mens rea was fundamentally incoherent and had been a constant sources of confusion for courts. The MPC drafters therefore created a bold new mens rea framework. Minnesota, however, did not adopt that framework. Instead, the drafters of the 1963 Code attempted smaller changes, and since then, Minnesota courts have continued to rely heavily on the common law of mens rea. As a result, the same mens rea problems that befuddled old common law courts linger in Minnesota today. These problems cause needless confusion and unpredictability in the criminal law. It is time for Minnesota to enact further reforms to move the Code closer to the MPC mens rea framework