By  Morgan Spangler, Paige Wanner, Nathan Adams, Curtis Mack, Katelyn Kelley 

  This report describes the initial implementation of a series of bills referred to as “JR to 25.” Among other things, these bills modified court jurisdiction and the location of confinement for juveniles convicted as adults in Washington State. We summarize the policy changes resulting from JR to 25 legislation, describe facility changes before and after the legislation took effect, provide preliminary analysis on data collected thus far, and estimate the fiscal impacts of the legislation. We find that individuals are engaged in more rehabilitative programming after the JR to 25 policy changes took effect. We also find an increase in behavior incidents and an increase in reports of room confinement and isolation after the policy changes. Part of the JR to 25 legislation included applying changes retroactively to populations in Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) and the Department of Corrections (DOC) with qualifying offenses. This meant there was a small group of people in DOC facilities that were newly eligible to transfer back to JR custody. Our report includes a discussion of that process and summarizes racial demographic information of that eligible group along each stage of the process. Finally, we discuss the limitations to this report and outline a plan for the final report, due to the legislature in 2031.  

   Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. 2024. 36p.

Secondary movements of asylum-seekers in the EU asylum

By Anja Radjenovic   

Secondary movements occur when refugees or asylum-seekers move from the country in which they first arrived, to seek protection or for permanent resettlement elsewhere. While most asylum-seekers seek protection in countries close to their countries of origin, some are compelled or choose to move onwards (often in an irregular manner) from or through countries in which they have already, or could have sought, international protection, to other countries, where they may request such protection. Many different factors may influence these movements and the decision to settle in a particular country. While asylum-seekers in the EU may have very legitimate reasons for seeking asylum in a Member State other that responsible for examining their asylum application, secondary movements are seen as a challenge for migration management in the EU. Although no genuine data are available that would provide reliable information about the scale of the phenomenon at the level of EU countries, some of the existing databases can give an indication of the travel routes relating to asylum-seekers' secondary movements. The aim of the common European asylum system's current instruments has been to limit secondary movements of applicants for international protection between EU Member States. However, the increased inflow of asylum-seekers to Europe in the past decade has shown that the system has been unable to discourage secondary movements. For this purpose, among others, in 2016 and 2020 the European Commission proposed a comprehensive reform in order to harmonise asylum rules and introduce a range of new measures on asylum policy that would address such movements

Brussels: EPRS_BRI(2024)762326_EN.pdf (europa.eu) 2024. 10p.

By Kirsty A. Clark, Tyler D. Harvey, Jaclyn M.W. Hughto, Ilan H. Meyer

OBJECTIVES: This study examined differences by sexual and gender minority (SGM) and abstract incarceration statuses in mental health indicators among youth. METHODS: Population-based, cross-sectional data are from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N 5 72 324) and includes public school students (Mage 5 15.49) and youth incarcerated in juvenile correctional facilities (Mage 5 15.48). We categorized youth into 4 groups: (1) non-SGM youth in public schools, (2) non-SGM youth in correctional facilities, (3) SGM youth in public schools, and (4) SGM youth in correctional facilities. Multivariable regression models assessed associations among SGM and incarceration statuses and mental health indicators after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and exposure to adverse childhood experiences. RESULTS: More youth in juvenile correctional facilities identified as SGM (28.8%) compared with youth in public schools (20.4%, P 5 .002). SGM youth in correctional facilities reported a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (42.2%), suicide attempt (37.5%), and self-harm (57.8%) compared with all other groups. Depressive symptom severity was similarly elevated among SGM youth in correctional facilities and SGM youth in public schools. SGM youth in correctional facilities, compared with non-SGM youth in public schools, demonstrated elevated odds of suicide ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5 2.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5 1.3–3.9), suicide attempt (aOR 5 6.3, 95% CI 5 3.6–10.9), and self-harm (aOR 5 3.6, 95% CI5 2.1–6.3). CONCLUSIONS: Incarcerated SGM youth disproportionately experience negative mental health indicators. Findings suggest that tailored, intersectional, and responsive mental health interventions are needed to support incarcerated SGM youth. 

Pediatrics, Volume 150, Issue 6

December 2022

SHANTON, KAREN L.; WOLANIN, TYLER L.

From the document: "Provisions for a secret ballot appear in all states' laws or constitutions [hyperlink]. Consensus that the ballot should be secret--that voters should not be able to be linked to their selections--is a somewhat recent development in American history. How to preserve ballot secrecy and balance it against other election objectives like promoting transparency, protecting against fraud, and ensuring accessibility for all eligible voters is also an ongoing issue, featuring in current election policy debates."

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE. 5 JUL, 2024 4p.

By Tsering Woeser

Context of Self-Immolations: The book discusses the wave of self-immolations in Tibet as a form of protest against Chinese rule, with no tradition of such acts in Tibetan history.

Tapey's Act: The first recorded self-immolation was by a monk named Tapey in 2009, which marked the beginning of a series of similar protests.

Political Significance: Self-immolations are not seen as acts of despair but as sacrifices for a greater cause, aiming to press for political change.

International Attention: These acts have drawn global attention to the situation in Tibet, highlighting the struggle for human rights and autonomy.

This section provides an overview of the motivations and implications of self-immolations in Tibet.

Verso Books, 2016, 114 pages

By Scott Poland

Importance of Training: School personnel, especially counselors, need proper training to effectively handle suicidal students and understand the warning signs.

Administrative Support: Gaining support from top administrators is crucial for implementing a successful suicide intervention program.

Family Involvement: Notifying and involving parents is essential when dealing with suicidal students.

Confidentiality: While students expect confidentiality, it must be broken if a student's welfare is at risk

Guilford Press, 1989, 213 pages

By Alexander Murray

Historical Context: The book exploressuicide in medieval Europe,focusing on the period from the millennium to 1500.

Three-Part Structure: The book is divided into three parts:The Violent against Themselves, The Curse on Self-Murder, and The Mapping of Mental Desolation.

Sources and Evidence: The author uses a wide range of sources, including legal records, chronicles, and religious texts, to examine attitudes and cases of suicide.

Limitations and Scope: The study is limited to medieval Europe, excluding earlier periods and certain groups like the Cathars and Jews.

Oxford University Press, 1998, 485 pages

By Olive Anderson

Historical Context: The book explores the history of suicide in Victorian and Edwardian England, focusing on statistical data, personal experiences, societal attitudes, and prevention efforts.

Statistical Analysis: It examines the processes behind official suicide statistics, highlighting the variability in data collection and the challenges in interpreting these statistics accurately.

Personal Experiences: The book delves into individual case histories,particularly through coroners' records, to understand the personal andsocial contexts of suicide during this period.

Societal Attitudes and Prevention: It discusses the societal attitudes towards suicide and the various efforts made by authorities and individuals to prevent it, including legal, medical, and philanthropic interventions.

Clarendon Press, 1987, 475 pages

Edited by Paul Slack

Recurring Themes: The document explores popular protest and rebellion in early modern England, focusing on social, economic, and cultural changes.

Historical Analysis: It includes reappraisals of significant rebellions like the Pilgrimage of Grace and Kett's Rebellion, highlighting local grievances and loyalties.

Youth Involvement: The role of youth groups and apprentices in protests and their impact on political and social movements is examined.

Elite Influence: The document discusses the interaction between elite and popular attitudes, noting how political disputes and elite involvement influenced rebellions.

Cambridge University Press, 1984, 339 pages

By Tahar Ben Jelloun

This book provides a comprehensive understanding of racism, its effects, and the significance of education and representation in addressing racial issues. Racism involves mistrust or disdain towards people with different physical and cultural characteristics. It is not inherent but learned through societal influences. The book emphasizes the importance of educating children about racism, as they can be more receptive to learning and changing attitudes than adults. Contributors share personal stories, reflecting on how racism has affected their lives and the lives of their children, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and education. Finally, the book discusses the evolving representation of diverse groups in media and the importance of inclusive imagery to combat racism.

New Press, 1999, 207 pages

By Mark K. Updegrove

Presidential Crises: The book discusses eight U.S. presidents who took office during times of crisis, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.

Leadership Qualities: It highlights the unique leadership qualities anddecisions these presidents made to navigate their respective crises.

Historical Context: Provides historical context for each president's term, detailing the specific challenges they faced and how they addressed them.

Acknowledgments: The author expresses gratitude to various individuals and institutions that contributed to the creation of the book.

Macmillan, 2009, 292 pages

By Angela Bourke

Historical Context: The book details the harsh winter of 1894/95 inIreland, which led to economic hardship and unemployment amongagricultural laborers.

Bridget Cleary's Illness: Bridget Cleary fell ill in early March 1895, leading to a series of events involving traditional herbal treatments and beliefs in fairies.

Tragic Outcome: Bridget was burned to death by her husband, Michael Cleary, who believed she was a fairy changeling. Her body was discovered on March 22, 1895.

Legal Proceedings: The document outlines the subsequent legal actions, including the inquest, trial, and imprisonment of those involved in Bridget's death.

Pimlico, 1999, 279 pages

By Vernon Bartlett

This book discusses the economic and social aspects of racial prejudices, highlighting that they often stem from deep-seated biases rather than factual differences between races. It emphasizes the 'colour problem' as a significant global issue, with economic disparity and historical domination by whites being central themes. The text delves into the complexities of apartheid in South Africa, exploring the country's unique racial dynamics and the search for solutions. It also touches upon the challenges of immigration in Britain, including public attitudes towards immigrants and the impact on social services.

Chatto & Windus, 1969, 211 pages

By William Johnston

Abe Sada's Story: The book explores the life of Abe Sada, a woman who transitioned from being a geisha to a prostitute and later committed a notorious murder in 1936, which made her an infamous figure in Japan.

Cultural Context: It delves into the cultural, social, and historical context of Japan during the early 20th century, highlighting the intersection of traditional and modern sexual values.

Gender and Sexuality: The narrative examines the boundaries of sexualmorality, gender roles, and the changing perceptions of love andsexuality in modern Japan.

Primary Sources: The book includes translations of Abe Sada's police interrogations and investigation reports, providing a detailed account of her life and the crime she committed.

Columbia University Press, 2005, 245 pages

By Otis K. Rice

"The Hatfields & the McCoys" by Otis K. Rice explores one of the most famous feuds in American history. This book delves into the riveting tale of two Appalachian families locked in a deadly and long-standing conflict. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Rice provides a comprehensive account of the factors that fueled this bitter rivalry, shedding light on the social, economic, and cultural dynamics at play. A gripping narrative that unveils the complexities behind a legendary feud, "The Hatfields & the McCoys" is a compelling read for anyone interested in the darker side of American folklore.

University Press of Kentucky, 1978, 152 pages

By Jack Seward

Definition and Significance:Seppuku (orhara-kiri) is a form of Japanese ritual suicide, historically significant in the samurai code of honor, Bushido.

Historical Context: The practice evolved from ancient customs and became institutionalized during thefeudal era.

Ceremonial Procedures: The document details the rituals and formalities involved in seppuku, including the roles of participants and the symbolic elements.

Cultural Impact: Seppuku reflects the philosophical and cultural values of Japan, particularly the emphasis on honor, loyalty, and discipline

C. E. Tuttle Company, 1967, 116 pages

By Virgil Carrington Jones

Historical Context: The Hatfield-McCoy feud took place along the Kentucky-West Virginia border during the late 19th century, involving two families in a violent conflict.

Origins of the Feud: The feud's origins are unclear, but it was fueled by various incidents, including a disputed hog and romantic entanglements.

Key Figures: Prominent figures included Devil Anse Hatfield and Randolph McCoy, along with their families and allies.

Impact and Legacy: The feud escalated to involve state governments and even reached the U.S. Supreme Court, leaving a lasting legacy in American history

University of North Carolina Press, 1948, 295 pages

By Anton Blok

Main Themes: The book explores the relationship between honor and violence, particularly in contexts where central control over violence is weak or absent

Case Studies: It includes studies on Sicilian mafia, rural banditry in theDutch Republic, and various cultural practices related to honor and violence.

Anthropological Approach: The author emphasizes the importance of understanding social action as paradoxical and influenced by unintended consequences.

References: The document contains numerous references to other works and studies, highlighting its academic rigor.

Wiley, Feb 8, 2001, 358 pages

By Andrew Graham-Yooll

Survivor Narratives: The book explores how women navigate domestic violence and its aftermath, emphasizing their resilience and the complexities of their experiences

Therapeutic Movement: It discusses the development of therapeutic approaches within the domestic violence movement, including the integration of trauma theories.

Institutional Challenges: The text highlights the difficulties survivors face with institutions like courts and social services, which can sometimes perpetuate their trauma.

Gaslighting: The book delves into the psychological manipulation known as gaslighting, showing how it affects survivors' perceptions of reality and their credibility.

Junction Books, 1981, 128 pages

By Jeffrey Rosen

Virtue and Happiness: The book explores how classical writers onvirtue, such as Cicero, inspired the Founding Fathers of America andshaped their understanding of happiness.

Founders' Virtues: It discusses the virtues that key figures like BenjaminFranklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams valued and practiced, suchas temperance, humility, and industry.

Historical Influence: The text highlights how ancient wisdom and philosophical works influenced the development of American political thought and the pursuit of happiness.

References: The document contains numerous references to classical and Enlightenment philosophers, as well as historical texts that shaped the Founders' ideas.

Simon and Schuster, Feb 13, 2024, 355 pages