Instrumentalizing Jurors: An Argument Against the Fourth Amendment Exclusionary Rule

In this symposium contribution, I contend that the application of the Fourth Amendment exclusionary rule in cases tried by juries raises troubling moral issues that are not present when a judge adjudicates a case on his or her own. Specifically, I argue that the exclusionary rule infringes upon jurors’ deliberative autonomy by depriving them of available evidence that rationally bears upon their verdict and by instrumentalizing them in service to the Court’s deterrence objectives. After considering ways in which those moral problems could be at least partially mitigated, I contend that the best approach might be to abandon the exclusionary rule entirely. I suggest that the Supreme Court might already be willing to abandon the rule, provided that Congress enacts reforms aimed at making the threat of financial liability for Fourth Amendment violations more robust. I close by identifying several ways in which Congress could help pave the way for the exclusionary rule’s demise

The 3-D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components (base program)

A series of computer codes are sought that would permit more accurate and efficient three-dimensional inelastic structural analysis of combustor liners, turbine blades, and turbine vanes. Each code embodies a progression of mathematical models for increasingly comprehensive representation of the geometrical features, loading conditions, and forms of nonlinear material response that distinguish these three groups of hot section components

Comparing measures of core inflation

Although many policymakers and analysts associate “core CPI inflation” with the CPI excluding food and energy, there are other measures of core consumer price inflation. Like the CPI excluding food and energy, these other measures typically attempt to identify the underlying trend in CPI inflation by excluding certain components subject to large relative price changes. The rationale is that unusual changes, such as the 14.2 percent increase in energy prices last year (December to December) or the 18 percent jump in tobacco prices from November to December 1998, are unlikely to be related to the underlying trend in CPI inflation.> Clark compares five different measures of core CPI inflation. He reviews the concepts underlying the idea of core inflation and the measures examined in the article. Three of the core measures have been developed in previous research, while two indicators are developed in the article. Next, he evaluates the core inflation measures by three different criteria: accuracy in tracking trend inflation, predictive content for future overall inflation, and complexity.Inflation (Finance) ; Consumer price indexes

U.S. inflation developments in 1995

In setting monetary policy in 1995, the Federal Reserve sought to promote sustainable economic growth and continued progress toward price stability. Toward those ends, the Federal Reserve adjusted the stance of monetary policy three times in 1995. In February, amid signs of increasing inflationary pressures, policy was tightened. In July and December, in response to signals of a slowing economy and abating inflationary pressures, policy was eased.> Clark reviews inflation developments in the United States during 1995. The first section examines the actual behavior of inflation over the past year. The second section examines developments in inflation expectations in 1995. The third section describes the contents and rationale of legislation introduced in Congress in 1995 that would make price stability the primary long-run goal of Federal Reserve monetary policy.> Clark concludes that inflation developments of the past year were largely favorable. Although some important inflation measures, notably the consumer price index, rose slightly relative to the previous year, inflation overall remained moderate. Moreover, expectations of inflation declined in 1995, so that future inflation is generally expected to remain near the current level. The Federal Reserve, therefore, appeared to be successful in maintaining moderate inflation during the year and in convincing the public that inflation will remain moderate in the period ahead.Inflation (Finance) ; Monetary policy

3-D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

The objective is to produce a series of new computer codes that permit more accurate and efficient three dimensional inelastic structural analysis of combustor liners, turbine blades, and turbine vanes. Each code embodies a progression of mathematical models for increasingly comprehensive representaion of the geometrical features, loading conditions, and forms of nonlinear material response that distinguish these three groups of hot section components

U.S. inflation developments in 1996

The primary goal of Federal Reserve monetary policy is to foster maximum long-term growth in the U.S. economy by achieving price stability over time. Price stability will be achieved, according to some definitions, when inflation ceases to be a factor in the decision-making processes of businesses and individuals. Although the Federal Reserve has made considerable progress toward price stability since the early 1980s, inflation remains above the level most analysts would associate with price stability. Because stable prices are essential to maximum long-term economic growth and living standards, the Federal Reserve seeks to contain and gradually reduce inflation until price stability is attained.> Clark reviews inflation developments in the United States during 1996 in relation to the Federal Reserve's goal of achieving price stability over time. He first examines the behavior of inflation over the past year, showing that sharp increases in food and energy prices caused most overall inflation measures to rise, while inflation in nonfood and nonenergy prices slowed. Second, he shows that expectations of future inflation held steady at about the current rate, indicating the public expects no further progress toward price stability. Finally, he evaluates some inflation measurement issues raised in 1996, concluding that problems in accurately measuring inflation will require the Federal Reserve to monitor all price trends with vigilance. Together, the inflation developments of the past year were mixed.Inflation (Finance) ; Prices

Nominal GDP targeting rules: can they stabilize the economy?

As the monetary aggregates have become less reliable guides for monetary policy, considerable interest has developed in identifying some other fundamental guide for policy. Many analysts argue that the best guide might be nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Some of these analysts also argue the Federal Reserve should target nominal GDP using one of several possible rules. Such a rule would specify how the Federal Reserve should adjust policy to affect a short-term interest rate in response to deviations of nominal GDP from target.> Clark examines the performance of nominal GDP targeting rules using statistical simulations of the economy. First, he reviews the argument that policymakers should target nominal GDP using a rule. Second, he describes some alternative targeting rules. Finally, he shows how these rules would perform based on simulation analysis of models of the U.S. economy. He concludes that policymakers cannot be certain that a simple nominal GDP targeting rule would improve economic performance.Gross domestic product

Progress toward price stability : a 1997 inflation report

The primary goal of Federal Reserve monetary policy is to foster maximum long-term growth in the U.S. economy by achieving price stability over time. Price stability will be achieved, according to some definitions, when inflation ceases to be a factor in the decision-making processes of businesses and individuals. Although the Federal Reserve has made considerable progress toward price stability since the early 1980s, inflation remains above the level most analysts would associate with price stability. Because stable prices are essential to maximum long-term economic growth and living standards, the Federal Reserve seeks to contain and gradually reduce inflation until price stability is attained.> Clark reviews recent inflation developments in the United States in relation to the Federal Reserve's goal of achieving price stability over time. First, he examines the behavior of inflation over the past year and finds that all major measures of inflation declined, to the surprise of most observers. Second, he shows that forecasters expect a healthy economy and an unwinding of some of the factors slowing inflation last year to produce slightly higher inflation in 1998. Third, he evaluates the behavior of long-term inflation expectations over 1997 and concludes that the public has become more optimistic about long-term inflation prospects. Together, these findings suggest the Federal Reserve made some headway in lowering inflation last year but will need to remain vigilant if it is to achieve price stability over time.Inflation (Finance) ; Prices

On 3-D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

The objective of this program is to produce a series of new computer codes that permit more accurate and efficient three-dimensional inelastic structural analysis of combustor liners, turbine blades, and turbine vanes. Each code embodies a progression of mathematical models for increasingly comprehensive representation of the geometrical features, loading conditions, and forms of nonlinear material response that distinguish these three groups of hot section components