Research > Homework Center > Social Issues

Social Issues

This web page has been created to meet the needs of Multnomah County middle and high school students researching current social issues from multiple perspectives.

General social issues

Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center: http://orpheus.multcolib.org/rpa/webauth.exe?rs=ovrc

Provides 40,000 documents supporting 39 main topic areas including the national debate topic. Must have a Multnomah County Library card to use this service from outside of the Library.
CQ Researcher: http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/

Provides in-depth research on current events and controversial topics. Reports are known for their balanced approach, providing both sides of an issues. You'll also find chronologies, next steps and bibliographies for further research. Reports date back to 1991. Must have a Multnomah County Library card to use this service from outside of the Library.
ACLU: http://www.aclu.org/

The American Civil Liberties Union.
Best Information on the Net: http://library.sau.edu/bestinfo/Hot/hotindex.htm

From O'Keefe Library at St. Ambrose University.
Current Topics for Research: http://kclibrary.nhmccd.edu/hot-topics.html

From Kingswood Library.
Ethics Updates: http://ethics.acusd.edu/

From the Values Institute at the University of San Diego.
Hot Topics: http://infodome.sdsu.edu/research/guides/hot/list.shtml

From San Diego State University.
Hot Topic Supersites: http://infodome.sdsu.edu/research/guides/hot/supersites.shtml

From San Diego State University.
International Topics and Issues: http://www.state.gov/interntl/

From the US Deptartment of State.
FindLaw: http://www.findlaw.com/

Find legislation and court decisions online.
Historic Supreme Court Decisions - By Topic: http://supct.law.cornell.edu/supct/cases/topic.htm

The Legal Information Institute provides this site.
Oyez Oyez Oyez: http://www.oyez.org

Northwestern University's US Supreme Court Multimedia Database.
First Amendment Handbook: http://www.rcfp.org/handbook/viewpage.cgi

From the Reports Committee for a Free Press.

Abortion megasites

Alan Guttmacher Institute: Abortion: http://www.guttmacher.org/sections/abortion.php

This website provides abortion and reproduction statistics.
Abortion: All Sides of the Issue: http://www.religioustolerance.org/abortion.htm

From the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. Pro and con information about abortion. Basic facts about pregnancy, religious and ethical aspects, public opinion, abortion methods, laws and more.
Who Decides? A State-by-State Review of Abortion and Reproductive Rights: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/choice-action-center/in_your_state/who-decides/

This website presents each states position, and various politicians positions, like the governor. Most of these documents are in PDF format.

Pro-Choice

NARAL Press Releases & Statements: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/news/press-releases/

The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League website presents information about and advocacy for reproductive rights.
NARAL Fact & Issue Briefs: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/

National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League factsheets are designed to give you a quick look at the status of a reproductive health issue.
NARAL: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/

The latest news from the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.
NOW and Abortion Rights/ Reproductive Issues: http://www.now.org/issues/abortion/

NOW's stand on and history supporting abortion rights.
Planned Parenthood: Abortion: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/abortion/

Information from Planned Parenthood regarding laws, fact sheets, information on how to prevent abortion, how abortions are performed, and more.
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice: http://www.rcrc.org/

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, founded in 1973, is forty national Christian, Jewish, and other religious organizations that support a woman's right to choose. Includes many essays and publications on such topics as late term abortions, an overview of religious support for choice, and biblical perspectives.

Pro-Life

Humanae Vitae (On The Regulation of Birth): http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html

Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope Paul VI.
National Campaign to End Partial-Birth Abortions: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/pba/

Hear testimony and discussions against partial-birth abortions.
National Right to Life: http://www.nrlc.org/

National organization promoting the right to life. Includes information on partial-birth abortions, abortion alternatives, press releases, and medical facts regarding abortion.
Ohio Right to Life: Abortion: http://www.ohiolife.org/abortion/index.asp

The Ohio Right to Life organization provides issues, laws and actions, books, statistics and more.
On the Value and Inviolability of Human Life: http://www.nccbuscc.org/prolife/tdocs/evangel/evangeli.htm

Encyclical letter addressed by the Supreme Pontiff, John Paul II.

Supreme Court Decisions

World's Abortion Laws: http://www.crlp.org/pub_fac_abortion_laws.html
Choice in the Courts: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/choice-in-the-courts/
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania et al vs. Casey, Governor of Pennsylvania, et al. (Case Number 505 U.S. 833 (1992): http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/case/306/
ROE v. WADE, 410 U.S. 113 (1973): http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?navby=search&court=US&case=/data/us/410/113.html
ROE v. WADE, 410 U.S. 113 (1973): http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/case/334/
Stenberg v. Carhart: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=US&navby=case&vol=530&invol=914
Webster vs. Reproductive Health Services: http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/case/436/

Affirmative action

Affirmative action megasites
Support
Oppose
Legislation

Affirmative action megasites

The Affirmative action and Diversity Project: A Web Page for Research: http://aad.english.ucsb.edu/

From the Department of English at the University of California, Santa Barbara, this website "presents diverse opinions regarding Affirmative action topics; rather than taking a singular pro or con position, it is designed to help lend many different voices to the debates surrounding the issues of affirmative action."
Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative action: http://www.snc.edu/socsci/chair/336/home.htm

Upper level college student project at St. Norbert College. Includes background information on affirmative action, laws, links to both opposed and supportive sites.
A History of Affirmative action in the U.S.: http://aad.english.ucsb.edu/docs/history-aa.html

From University of California, Santa Barbara, this website includes supreme court cases, laws and regulations and reports about affirmative action.

Support

Ten Myths About Affirmative action: http://www.understandingprejudice.org/readroom/articles/affirm.htm

The following essay appeared in an issue of the Journal of Social Issues entitled "The Affirmative action Debate: What's Fair in Policy and Programs?" (Winter 1996; Volume 52, Issue 4, pp. 25-31)..

Oppose

Against Affirmative action: http://www.snc.edu/socsci/chair/336/agaffir.htm

Upper level college student project at St. Norbert College.
Proposition 209:Prohibition Against Discrimination or Preferential Treatment by State and Other Public Entities: http://Vote96.ss.ca.gov/Vote96/html/BP/209.htm

Official Title and Summary prepared by the Attorney General.

Legislation

Hopwood vs. State of Texas: http://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/94/94-50569.CV0.wpd.pdf

Reversing affirmative action decision. PDF document.
University of California Regent v. Bakke, 438 U.S. 265: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=438&invol=265
Johnson v. Board of Regents: http://laws.lp.findlaw.com/11th/0014340opn.html
Smith v. University of Washington: http://www.cir-usa.org/cases/smith.html
Taxman v. Board of Education of the Town of Piscataway: http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=3rd&navby=case&no=961395P

AIDS

AIDS Megsites
AIDS Legislation

AIDS megasites

AIDS.ORG: http://www.aids.org/

Answers to frequently asked questions and facts about AIDS, youth and HIV and more.
Johns Hopkins AIDS Service: http://www.hopkins-aids.edu/

Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Inlcudes publications, education, resources, prevention and more.
Multnomah County Library Homework Center Diseases & Viruses: AIDS: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/biolohc.html#aids

AIDS/HIV information and facts.
Oregon Health Division: HIV Data and Analysis: http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/hiv/data/

Includes weekly AIDS surveillance report, Oregon 2002 HIV/AIDS Report, and more.

AIDS Legislation

HIV/AIDS Bureau: Law and Policy: http://hab.hrsa.gov/law.htm

From the US Department of Health, this page highlights laws and policies related to HIV and AIDS in the US.
The Body: Legal Issues: http://www.thebody.com/legal.html

Read the ACLU civil rights statement, US Department of Justice statement, and more.
AIDS Policy and Activism: http://www.thebody.com/govt.html

Activists action alerts and more legislative issues.

Alcohol & drinking

Alcohol & drinking Megsites
21: The Drinking Age
Drinking Age Needs to be Changed
Alcohol & drinking Legislation

Alcohol & drinking megasites

Minimum Drinking and Purchasing Age Laws: http://www.icap.org/PolicyIssues/YoungPeoplesDrinking/AgeLawsTable/tabid/219/ x

The International Center for Alcohol Policies presents an overview of the drinking age issue, from what the debate is to international approaches to the topic.
International Center for Alcohol Policies: http://www.icap.org

The International Center for Alcohol Policies presents various reports related to alcohol, including alcohol and your health, policies on alcohol and pregnancy, binge drinking and more.
Legal Drinking Age: http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol-info/LegalDrinkingAge.html

This website identifies the problem, provides a possible solution and also presents drinking age statistics from around the world.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Publications, frequently asked questions, and more.

21: The Drinking Age

Fact Sheet: Minimum Drinking Age Laws: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/alcohol/Community%20Guides%20HTML/PDFs/Public_App7.pdf

The National Traffic and Highway Administration presents this PDF document explaining the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
The Minimum Legal Drinking Age: Facts and Fallacies: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13246.html

The American Medical Association presents a brief history and research findings regarding the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
Alliance on Underaged Drinking: http://www.gdcada.org/coalitions/aloud.htm

Advocacy group against underaged drinking.
Minimum Drinking Age Laws: http://www.madd.org/stats/0,1056,4565,00.html

MADD presents statistics to support keeping the drinking age at 21.

Drinking Age Needs to be Changed

Drinking Age: http://www.asfar.org/drinking/

This website provides drinking age news, opinions, research and discussions.
National Youth Rights Association: Get Informed: http://www.youthrights.org/drinkingage.shtml

This website advocates for lowering the drinking age.
The Aftermath of 1984: http://www.asfar.org/zine/6th/cover.html

This website by Youth Truth, a publication for a society free from age restrictions, presents an opinion piece for repealing the national age restriction on drinking.
International Drinking Age Limits: http://www.grsproadsafety.org/themes/default/pdfs/Drinking%20Age%20Limits.pdf

This website presents statistics and information about the cultural aspects of alcohol in societies around the world.
Why the Drinking Age Should be Lowered: http://www.svsu.edu/emplibrary/Binge%20Drinking%20Defined.pdf

This research paper from Professor Ruth C. Engs at Indiana University cites why the national drinking age should be lowered.

Alcohol & drinking Legislation

Drinking Age Limits: http://www.icap.org/portals/0/download/all_pdfs/ICAP_Reports_English/report4.pdf

The International Center for Alcohol Policies identifies drinking and purchasing ages from countries around the world.
Legislative Analysis for the National Minimum Drinking Age Act: http://www.yria.alcade.net/essays/leg-an.htm

An essay with sources that looks at the drinking age.

Animal rights

Animal rights megasites
Animals in Research
Legislation

Animal rights megasites

Animal Concerns Community: http://www.animalconcerns.org/

This website provides in depth information regarding animal welfare, treatment and health.
International Society for Animal rights: http://www.isaronline.org/

This organization works to end animal injustices and to expose the suffering and exploitation of animals.
The Moral Status of Animals: http://ethics.acusd.edu/Applied/animals/

A website that provides an overview of the different animal rights perspectives in general. The website also breaks down information by animal.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals: http://www.peta.org/

Check out the library for information or go to the kids section for animal rights information.
World Animal Net Directory: http://worldanimal.net/wan.htm

"The world's largest database of animal protection societies, with over 6,000 listings and links to more than 1,500 Web Sites. To start a search, select a geographical region in the sidebar or search by category."

Animals in Research

Animal Research: http://www.amprogress.org/Issues/IssuesList.cfm?c=12

From Americans for Medical Progress, this website explains how medical testing on animals has benefitted humans and animals and addresses ethical issues.
Animal Research Issues: http://www.the-aps.org/pa/action/animalissues.htm

From American Physiological Society, this website presents the APS' policy on animal testing and more.
The Humane Society: Animals in Research: http://www.hsus.org/ace/11348

The national Humane Society presents information about the types of animals used in testing, about pain and stress, primates, product testing and more.
The Humane Use of Animals in Research: http://www.the-aps.org/pa/humane/pa_overview.htm

This website provides animal testing advocacy information.
Laboratory Animal Welfare: http://www.labanimalwelfare.org/

This organization helps people learn about animal in testing and research, from alternatives to genetic engineering.
RDS: Understanding Aminal Research in Medicine: http://www.rds-online.org.uk/

This organization helps people understand the medical importance for the use of animals in research.

Legislation

Animal Legal and Historical Legislation: http://www.animallaw.info/

Repository for any and all national and international animal rights legal materials. Search for US laws and cases as well as world law and cases.
The Animal Welfare Act: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/96symp/awasymp.htm

From the Animal Welfare Information Center from the Department of Agriculture.
Legislation, Regulations, Policies, and Guidelines: http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/awicregs.htm

From the Animal Welfare Information Center from the Department of Agriculture.

Binge drinking

Binge drinking Statistics & Data
Legislation/Laws

Binge drinking Statistics & Data

Binge drinking: http://www.intheknowzone.com/binge/index.htm

This website provides statistics as well as information about short and long term effects of binge drinking and more.
Binge drinking: Definition: http://alcoholstudies.rutgers.edu/journal/Binge.html

Definition of the term by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol.
Binge drinking Among Underage Persons: http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k2/AlcBinge/AlcBinge.htm

This website provides 2000 data regarding binge drinking by persons under the age of 21 in the United States.
Binge drinking 101: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june99/bingdrink_splash.html

From PBS' The NewsHour highlights the binge drinking issue.
Binge drinking and the College Student: What's Five Drinks?: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas/Documents/Five_Drinks/five_drinks-1.pdf

From the Harvard School of Public Health this website presents the article online. This website requires Acrobat Reader. For a complete list of binge drinking articles from this school, see this page
Binge drinking in Adolescents and College Students: http://www.health.org/govpubs/rpo995/

From the Department of Health and Human Services, this website presents information and reference resources about binge drinking.
College Binge drinking: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/college/

About.com provides a number of articles about binge drinking.
More Canadian Students Drink But American Students Drink More: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas/Documents/Canadian1/

From the Harvard School of Public Health, this website provides a comparitive study between Canadian and US college student drinking.
National Alcohol Screening Day: http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/events/nasd/

From the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, this website explains how you and your community can participate.
Teen Tipplers: America's Underage Drinking Epidemic: http://www.casacolumbia.org/pdshopprov/shop/item.asp?itemid=36

From the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, this website presents their study findings for underage drinking and includes information about binge drinking. This website requires Acrobat Reader.
Trends in College Binge drinking: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/cas/Documents/trends/

From the Journal of American College Health, this website presents the findings of four alcohol surveys from 1993-2001. This website requires Acrobat Reader.
MADD: Under 21: College: http://www.madd.org/under21/0,1056,1104,00.html

This website from MADD presents information about college drinking and binge drinking.

Drinking Legislation/Laws

BAC/Suspension/Fines: http://www.whatsdrivingyou.org/laws/

This website identifies each states' legal blood alcohol concentration, suspension laws, and first offense fines.

Capital punishment

Capital punishment megasites
Support
Oppose
Legislation

Capital punishment megasites

Capial Punishment Statistics: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/cp.htm

This website from the Bureau of Justice Statistics presents recent statistics on executions throughout the states as well as demographic statistics of those on death row throughout the country.
Angel on Death Row: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/angel/

From PBS and Frontline, this website presents pro and con views about the death penalty, interviews with death row inmates, a chronology of capital punishment from the 17th century to the present.
Death Penalty Information: High School Curriculum: http://deathpenaltyinfo.msu.edu/

This website presents information about pro and con capital punishment, the stages of a capital case, history of the death penalty and methods of execution. The website also provides state by state data and provides a state comparison chart, and it also presents courtroom cases and lets students learn if they would be selected for a jury on this topic.
Capital punishment: The Death Penalty: http://www.religioustolerance.org/execute.htm

The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance present reasons for and against the death penalty as well as it's relation to North America.
The Death Penalty: http://www.courttv.com/choices/yourturn/buffalo/links.html

Read the history and an overview of capital punishment and a state-by-state look at the issue, methods of execution, and death penalty statistics.
Death Penalty Information Center: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/

Information about the death penalty by state, race, costs, and more.
Librarian's Guide to the Best Information on the Net: The Death Penalty: http://library.sau.edu/bestinfo/Hot/death.htm

From O'Keefe Library, St. Ambrose University.
Talk of the Nation: The Death Penalty: http://discover.npr.org/rundowns/rundown.jhtml?prgId=5&prgDate=January/13/1998

Listen to part of all of this two-hour audio broadcast from National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation.

Support

John Stuart Mill "Speech In Favor of Capital punishment": http://ethics.acusd.edu/Mill.html

Speech John Stewart Mill presented before Parliament on April 21, 1868 in opposition to a bill banning capital punishment.

Oppose

Amnesty International: Against the Death Penalty: http://web.amnesty.org/pages/deathpenalty-index-eng

Current information about the death penalty as well as the organization's stand.
Death Penalty Abolition News: http://www.amnestyusa.org/abolish/

Amnesty International provides uptodate current events surrounding the subject.
The Death Penalty: http://www.aclu.org/DeathPenalty/DeathPenaltyMain.cfm

"The American Civil Liberties Union joins a diverse group of religious, civil liberties and human rights organizations in calling for a new nationwide moratorium on the death penalty."

Legislation

Death Penalty Facts by State: http://www.moratoriumcampaign.org/facts/statebystate.lasso

Click on each state on the map of from the table of contents from below the map to access detailed information about each state's death penalty statistics and legislation.
Death Penalty Law Materials: http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/death_penalty.html

Federal, state and other materials. "Congress and state legislatures may prescribe capital punishment for certain heinous crimes. It has been held that the death penalty is not a per se violation of the eight amendment's bar on cruel and unusual punishment."
The Justice Project: State Legislation Database: http://justice.policy.net/cjreform/stateleg/

This advocacy group website provides information about changes to each state's death penalty legislation.

Censorship

Support
Oppose
Legislation

Support

Enough is Enough: http://www.enough.org/

"A campaign, launched in November of 1992, embraces a vision to restore an environment in which citizens are free to raise their children and conduct our lives without the intrusion of illegal sexual material or sexual predators."
Family Friendly Libraries: http://www.fflibraries.org/

"A national grassroots network of concerned citizens, librarians and library trustees that believe in: More common sense access policies to protect children from exposure to age-inappropriate materials without parental consent." "Does not encourage removal of collection material."

Oppose

ACLU Internet Free Speech: http://www.aclu.org/privacy/speech/

From the American Civil Liberties Union, this website promotes the right to free speech.
Multnomah County Library Homework Center: Banned Books Week: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/banned.html

The library's website on censorship and banned books for Banned Books Week.
National Coalition Against Censorship: http://www.ncac.org/

This website provides uptodate information about censorship around the country.
Banned Books On-line: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/banned-books.html

"A special exhibit of books that have been the objects of censorship or censorship attempts."
Bonfire of Liberties: http://www.humanities-interactive.org/literature/bonfire/exhibit1.html

Traces the history of book censorship from 1200 AD using a graphically intense look at this history.
A Brief History of Banned Music in the United States Music Censorship : Elvis to Ice-T: http://www.ericnuzum.com/banned/

This article appeared in REV magazine, a culture and issues monthly in Virginia Beach, VA.
Challenged and Banned Books: http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/challengedbanned/challengedbanned.htm

From the American Library Association, this website lists the most frequently challenged books and authors for the past year and why these books were challenged.
Electronic Frontier Foundation: http://www.eff.org/

Organization promoting freedom in the electronic frontier.
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC): http://www.epic.org/

Search this Washington DC interest group website for the latest free speech challenges, censorship legislation and more.
Internet Censorship: http://www.epic.org/free_speech/censorship/

"EPIC is a public interest research center in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1994 to focus public attention on emerging civil liberties issues and to protect privacy, the First Amendment, and constitutional values."
Why Johnny Can't Read: Censorship in American Libraries: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/winter96/pubCONN.html

Article about books that have been censored in school libraries, as well as more subtle forms of censorship, by award-winning novelist Suzanne Fisher Staples.

Legislation

Full Text of CIPA: http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/civilliberties/cipaweb/legalhistory/cipatext.pdf

Children's Internet Protection Act full text.
CyberSpace Law: http://www.findlaw.com/01topics/10cyberspace/

From the FindLaw site, this page presents information about filtering, freedom of expression, censorship and more.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: http://www.law.emory.edu/FEDERAL/usconst/amend.html#art-1

The text of the First Amendment.
First Amendment Project: http://www.thefirstamendment.org/

"A non-profit, public interest law firm established in 1991 to protect, defend, and further the rights to participate in and know about government activities and speak freely about public issues."

Child labor

Child labor megasites
Legislation

Child labor megasites

Youth & Labor: http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor/index.htm

From the US Department of Labor, this website presents the federal guidelines for young people to work. The website includes child labor statistics.
By the Sweat and Toil of Children: http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/sweat6/sweat6_html/sweat6_chap_1.html

From the US Department of Labor, this website presents its report on international child labor and the US' committment to eliminate it.
Child Labour: http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_childlabour.html

This UNICEF website contains official documents, links to other sites about child labor and children's rights.
Child labor in America 1908-1912: http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/childlabor/

This website presents the history of child labor during the early twentieth century and includes photographs.
Child Work: http://www.childinfo.org/eddb/work/index.htm

This UNICEF website contains official documents, links to other sites, and a quiz to test your knowledge about child labor.
Child labor Coalition: http://www.natlconsumersleague.org/clc.htm

From the National Consumers League, this website lets you know what companies are involved in child labor and give you contact information to send those companies your remarks.
Child labor Resource Guide: http://vocserve.berkeley.edu/CenterFocus/CF8guide.html

"Whom to contact at your State Department of Labor for information concerning your state child labor law."
Children in the Fields: http://www.afop.org/childlabor.htm

From the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, this website provides facts about children in the fields and information about eliminating child labor.
Global March Against Child Labour: http://globalmarch.org/

Find information out about the march, the latest child labor information, and about the lives of child laborers and more.
Child Labor Coalition: http://www.stopchildlabor.org/

This website from the National Consumers League presents government, international, and other advocacy group information regarding child labor.
Stolen Dreams: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/gallery/gallery01.html

From the Gallery of the Harvard School for Public Health. Photographs of children working various jobs in the United States, Mexico, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, and India.

Legislation

The Apparel Industry and Codes of Conduct: http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/apparel/overview.htm

This website from the US Department of Labor presents an overview of child labor issues, and suggested codes of conduct to be implemented.
Child Labor Deterence Act: http://www.digitalrag.com/iqbal/help/s706/page1.html

S.706. The purpose of this act: "To prohibit the importation of goods produced abroad with child labor, and for other purposes."
Forced and Indentured Child labor Prevention Act: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d106:SN00373:@@@L

S.373 Bill introduced to Congress in 1999 regarding child labor and US imports.

Children's rights

Children's rights megasites
Legislation

Children's rights megasites

Child Welfare League of America: http://www.cwla.org/

"America's oldest and largest organization devoted entirely to the well-being of America's vulnerable children and their families."
Children's Defense Fund: http://www.childrensdefense.org/

The organization exists to "provide a strong and effective voice for all the children of America, who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities."
Children Now: http://www.childrennow.org/

" A nonpartisan, independent voice for children, working to translate the nation's commitment to children and families into action."
Children's rights Council: http://www.gocrc.com/

"A non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that works to assure children meaningful and continuing contact with both their parents and extended family regardless of the parents' marital status."
The Future of Children: http://www.futureofchildren.org/

By The Center for the Future of Children, this online publication is meant to "disseminate timely information on major issues related to children's well-being, with special emphasis on providing objective analysis and evaluation, translating existing knowledge into effective programs and polices, and promoting constructive institutional change."
National Center for Children in Poverty: http://www.nccp.org/

Mission: "Identify and promote strategies that reduce the incidence of young child poverty in the United States and that improve the life chances of the millions of children under age six who are growing up poor."
UNICEF: United Nations Children's Fund: http://www.unicef.org/

Includes children's rights, publications, statistics, news and more.

Legislation

The American Bar Association Center for Children and the Law: http://www.abanet.org/child/home2.html

Annual reports, publications, factbook, and more.

Creation science vs. evolution

Creation Science
Evolution

Theory of Evolution vs. Creation Science: http://www.religioustolerance.org/evolutio.htm

The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance present various beliefs, proved and disproved theories, links, and references about creation science and evolution.
The Talk.Origins Archive: http://www.talkorigins.org/

This usenet newsgroup archive explores the creation and evolution theory.

Creation Science

Creation Science: http://emporium.turnpike.net/C/cs/index.htm

Jason Browning, Dr. Gerald Lenner, and Mark Rajock, engineers and professionals with graduate degrees, largely in computer science, provide numerous links and debates against evolution.
Creation Science Research Center: http://www.parentcompany.com/csrc/

"A newsletter discussing what's happening in the world of Creation-Science." Gives a brief overview of beliefs and more.

Evolution

BBC Evolution Web site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/darwin/

A "site compiled by the BBC for their Evolution Weekend: March 27-29th, 1998. This website contains a range of materials directly related to the various television programmes shown on BBC TWO over that weekend, in addition to a large amount of original online content" such as the "Extinction Files" which discusses why species die out.
Biology and Evolutionary Theory: http://www.talkorigins.org/origins/faqs-evolution.html

What is evolution? Origin of species? Darwinism?Find out here. Read Darwin's The Origin of Species online.
In Defense of Evolution: http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mark_vuletic/defense_of_evolution.html

An article supporting the theory of evolution and negating creationist theory.

Drugs & drug abuse

Drugs megasites
Support
Oppose
Drug Leglislation

Drugs megasites

Multnomah County Library Homework Center: Drugs: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/healhc.html#drugs

Information and statistics about various drugs from heroin to tobacco.

Support

Multnomah County Library Homework Center: Social Issues: Legalization of marijuana: http://www.multcolib.org/homework/sochc2.html#marijuana

Collection of online resources supporting the legalization of marijuana.
Drug Abuse Trends: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/druguse/

The Office of National Drug Control Policy presents statistics on trends in drug-related crimes and looks at drug use trends by individual drug.

Oppose

DEA: Drug Enforcement Administration: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/

Check out drug statistics and facts and more here.
National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.nida.nih.gov/

Information on drugs abused and more.
Office of National Drug Control Policy: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/

Find news, policies, media campaign information, drug facts and statistics, prevention and education, state and local profiles, and more.
State Drug Profiles: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/

Read about each state's drug profile here. Some city profiles are also available.

Legislation

Drug Law Timeline: http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/drug_law_timeline.htm

This website provides a timeline of the various US laws significant in the history of US drug legislation.
Say It Straight: The Medical Myths of Marijuana: http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Mar/3/129051.html

This DEA publication presents medical and scientific evidence, political, social and cultural issues around this subject.

Drunk driving

Drunk driving megasites
Legislation
See also Alcohol & drinking

Drunk driving megasites

Drinking & Driving: http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol-info/DrinkingAndDriving.html

Statistics and other information about drinking and driving.
Drinking and Driving Data: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/kids/research/drinking/index.cfm

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. See how many car crashes were related to alcohol in your state at this site. Also provided, the legal blood alcohol content for each state, number of alcohol-related deaths and the percentage of deaths related to alcohol for each state.
Impaired Driving: http://www.ncadd.org/facts/fyidui.html

From the National Institute on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.
Alcohol Alert: Drinking and Driving: http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa31.htm

From the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
MADD: Mothers Against Drunk driving: http://www.madd.org/

Includes current news and information about drunk driving as well as detailed drunk driving statistics for youth and deaths. Check out the "Under 21" page for more information about alcohol-related information for teenage boys and girls.
MADD: Under 21: http://www.madd.org/under21

A movement of MADD, this website "features eight new anti-drinking programs for and by youth under the 21 legal drinking age."
National Commission Against Drunk driving: http://www.ncadd.com/

"A non-profit organization of private and public sector leaders who are dedicated to minimizing the human and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes by working to make driving impaired a socially unacceptable act."
MADD Stats & Resources: http://www.madd.org/stats/

From MADD, this website presents statistics, laws and drunk driving research as well as underage drinking research.
Public Policy: Rating the States: http://www.madd.org/activism/0,1056,5545,00.html

From MADD, this website presents "a Report Card on the Nation's Attention to the Problem of Alcohol- and Other Drug-Impaired Driving." Choose a state from the clickable map and learn the total fatalities in a state compared to the US statistic, and the costs involved in drink driving fatalities and injuries.
SADD Online: Students Against Destructive Decisions: http://www.saddonline.com

Find daily updated bulletins and "interaction between SADD Members and Administrators, Educators, and SADD Partners."

Legislation

Legislative Analysis for the National Minimum Drinking Age Act: http://www.yria.alcade.net/essays/leg-an.htm

International Youth Rights Action Alliance presents and interesting paper on the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984.

Environmental protection

Environmental protection megasites
Support
Legislation

Environmental protection megasites

Environmental Ethics: http://ethics.acusd.edu/Applied/Environment/

From the University of San Diego. Includes government and legal resources, articles, National Public Radio transcripts, websites and more.
The Environmental Justice Information Page: http://eelink.net/EJ/

This website provides a definition of environmental justice, current topics, various reports on related issues and more.

Support

Environmental Defense Fund: http://www.environmentaldefense.org

Practical action and reports of ways to conserve and to support the environment.
League of Conservation Voters: http://www.lcv.org/

Keeps up with congressional activities, campaigns, and pro-conservation issues.
Protecting our Environment: http://www.pirg.org/

Campaigns and environmental resources. Endangered species protection, clean water and air, recycling, pollutants, and toxic substances.
OSPIRG: http://www.ospirg.org/

Oregon State Public Interest Group's concern for the environment.
Sierra Club: http://www.sierraclub.org/

"The Sierra Club is a nonprofit member-supported,public interest organization that promotes conservation of the natural environment by influencing public policy decisions--legislative, administrative, legal, and electoral."

Legislation

EPA: Laws and Regulations: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/rules.html

The EPA presents current legislation before Congress as well as public law passed by congress.
Center for International Environmental Law: http://www.ciel.org/

A great resource for environmental law as it relates to countries around the world. Arranged by topics such as "law and communities" where you can read about community-based environment management efforts in various countries, "biodiversity and wildlife," and "trade and environment," where you can read about trade agreements such as NAFTA and their environmental impact.
Legislative Watch: http://www.nrdc.org/legislation/

The Bulletin on Environmental Legislation.

Euthanasia & assisted suicide

Megasites
Support
Oppose
Legislation

Megasites

Ethics Updates: Euthanasia and End-of-Life Decisions: http://ethics.acusd.edu/Applied/Euthanasia/

Court decisions, legislation, documents, statistical information, books, articles and videos on the subject. A large website by Professor Lawrence M. Hinman at the University of San Diego.
Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide: All Sides: http://www.religioustolerance.org/euthanas.htm

The Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance present ethical questions, public opinion polls, church statements and the current legal status regarding assisted suicide.
The Kevorkian Verdict: The Life and Legacy of the Suicide Doctor: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/

Frontline program reviews Kevorkian's life, the law, the opinions surrounding euthanasia, and more.
Doctor-Assisted Suicide: A Guide to websites and Literature: http://www.longwood.edu/library/suic.htm

Longwood University presents this useful pathfinder. It includes newspaper articles, books, Web sites, and legislation.

Support

Voices for the Dying: http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3276

Site of a nonprofit organization which supports and counsels people in end-of-life decisions. See their "Education Resources" section which includes background information on right-to-die issues, legal developments, a newsletter, and information on advance directives.
Compassion and Choices: http://www.compassionandchoices.org/

This organization "provides information, counseling and support to patients who are facing prolonged and intractable suffering at the end-of-life. COMPASSION offers information and emotional support for all end-of-life options, including intensive pain management, comfort or hospice care, and humane, effective aid-in-dying for those who are in the final stages of illness and whose suffering has become intolerable."
Euthanasia World Directory: http://www.finalexit.org

Includes a listing of right-to-die societies throughout the U.S. and the world, a newsletter, a detailed Q&A, and a glossary of "end-of-life" terms.
Oregon's Death with Dignity Act Annual Report: http://www.ohd.hr.state.or.us/chs/pas/ar-index.cfm

Follow the evolution and experiences of the death with dignity movement in Oregon.

Oppose

International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force: http://www.internationaltaskforce.org/

Includes a euthanasia FAQ, an FAQ regarding advance directives, several essays on artificial feeding, an essay on the words used in the assisted suicide debate, and more.
Ohio Right to Life's Euthansia Page: http://www.ohiolife.org/euthanasia/index.asp

Several essays on such topics as "What's Wrong with Making Assisted Suicide Legal," "Targeting the Vulnerable," and "Eroding Patient's Rights." Also includes a "Withholding Food and Fluids FAQ," and a section on pain management therapy.

Legislation

Death with Dignity Legislative Watch: http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pas/ors.shtml

Death with Dignity National Center provides the text and a history of the law.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules on Physician Assisted Suicide Cases: http://wings.buffalo.edu/faculty/research/bioethics/court.html

From the University of Buffalo's Center for Clinical Ethics and Humanities in Health Care, this website lists transcripts and summaries of court cases regarding assisted suicide. Oregon and Washington State initiatives and controversial laws included.

Famine

Famine megasites
Legislation

Famine megasites

Child Hunger in America: http://www.fhfh.org/hunger.html

Statistics of hungry children in the US.
HungerWeb: http://www.brown.edu/Departments/World_Hunger_Program/

"The aim of this website is to help prevent and eradicate hunger by facilitating the free exchange of ideas and information regarding the causes of, and solutions to, hunger."
Mercy Corps International: http://www.mercycorps.org/

"A non-profit, voluntary agency that exists to assist the world's suffering, impoverished, and oppressed through emergency relief, self-help projects, and development education."
Second Harvest Food Bank Network: http://www.secondharvest.org/

Second Harvest, the nation's largest charitable hunger relief organization. Find your local program or look for volunteer opportunities.
Students Helping Street Kids International: http://www.helpthekids.org/

"A public benefit, nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Oregon in 1997 to provide a service-learning opportunity to U.S. students and others."

Legislation

Bread for the World: http://www.bread.org/

"Bread for the World is a nationwide Christian movement that seeks justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers."

Flag burning

Support Flag burning
Oppose Flag burning

Support Flag burning

Flag Desecration Amendment Returns: http://www.aclu.org/FreeSpeech/FreeSpeechList.cfm?c=50

This website from the ACLU presents information about the proposed amendment to outlaw flag burning.

Oppose Flag burning

Citizens' Flag Alliance: http://www.cfa-inc.org/

This organization wishes to protect the flag from physical desecration.

Gangs

Gang megasites
Legislation

Gang megasites

Gang Research: http://www.gangresearch.net/

The website seeks to dispel stereotypes and present research, original documents, and helpful links.
In the Spotlight: Gangs Resources: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Topics/Topic.aspx?Topicid=147

This website includes each year's National Youth Gang Survey and includes a summary of gang trends and a historic look at gangs.
Combating Street Gangs: http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/pubs/reform/ch2_e.html

National Juvenile Justice Reform Initiatives.
The Coroner's Report: http://www.gangwar.com/

A commercial website produced by a gang researcher and educator. Contains a useful overview of gang history and dynamics.
Juvenile Justice Facts & Figures: Publications - Gangs: http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200401.pdf

Information and statistics about gangs available in HTML or view with Acrobat Reader plug-in.
Juvenile Justice: Gangs: http://virlib.ncjrs.org/juv.asp?category=47&subcategory=66

Information and statistics about gangs available in HTML or view with Acrobat Reader plug-in.
Mickey's Place in the Sun: Gangs and Gang Graffiti Resources: http://mickeys-place-in-the-sun.com/gangs.html

A vast collection of annotated links related to gangs.
National Youth Gang Center: http://www.iir.com/nygc/

Statistics, analysis, legislation, gang program strategies and more.

Legislation

Gang-Related Legislation: National Youth Gang Center: http://www.iir.com/nygc/task2_3.htm

Gang-related legislation organized by subject and by state.

Gender issues

Gender issues megasites

National Organization for Women: http://www.now.org/

Key women's issues, legislative updates, links to related sites.
MenWeb: M.E.N. Magazine: http://www.menweb.org/

Interviews, articles, issues.

Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering megasites
Support
Oppose

Genetic engineering megasites

Human Cloning: Religious and Ethical Aspects: http://www.religioustolerance.org/cloning.htm

From the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, this website provides various aspects and historic information regarding human and embyro cloning.
The First Human Cloned Embryo: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=0008B8F9-AC62-1C75-9B81809EC588EF21

Scientic American online presents its feature article on the subject.

Support

National Bioethics Advisory Committee: http://www.bioethics.gov/

Site of the agency created by a Presidential Executive Order. Includes publications regarding the science of cloning, religious perspectives, ethical considerations, legal and policy considerations, and commission recommendations. Most of the publications require Adobe Acrobat Reader to read them. You may download it free of charge from www.adobe.com.
Human Cloning Foundation: http://www.humancloning.org/

This website is in support of human cloning.

Oppose

American Bioethics Advisory Commission: http://www.all.org/abac/

Established by the American Life League, this website offers position papers and statements regarding cloning and genetics and discusses the President's bioethics policies.
Council for Responsible Genetics: http://www.gene-watch.org/

The charge of this organization is to provide the public, researchers, legislators, etc. comprehensive information regarding the social implications of biotechnology. Read position papers regarding various aspects of this issue, check out their analysis of related legislation and issues such as the "gay gene" and genetic privacy.
Human Genome Project: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml

Office of Biological and Environmental Research provides this site.
Scientists Grow Monkeys from Cloned Embryos: http://www.cnn.com/TECH/9703/02/monkey.monkey/

CNN Interactive presents their March 1997 article and provides links to related stories and related sites.