People in the U.S. have a constitutional right to a jury trial. Yet, more than 95% of criminal convictions result from guilty pleas rather than jury verdicts. The bulk of these guilty pleas come from plea bargaining. This occurs when prosecutors offer reduced sentences to defendants. In return, they waive their right to a trial. Even those who are innocent can plead guilty. … [Read more...] about Did the pandemic increase guilty pleas?
Focusing on inclusivity, celebrating diversity and seeking equity: This is the foundation of why we recognize cultural heritage months throughout the year. Each September is recognized as Latinx Heritage Month, but many don’t understand the use of the term Latinx. According to Dr. Jason Jolley, associate dean of the Reynolds College of Arts and Letters and professor of … [Read more...] about Understanding the use of Latinx
Plants are as vulnerable to germs as people. These germs can cause disease in plants and negatively impact the agriculture industry. Among plants, grapevine is the most valuable horticultural crop, according to Dr. Laszlo Kovacs, professor of biology at Missouri State University. Grapes are the basis of raisins, jellies, juice and, if you are 21 or older, wine. The growth … [Read more...] about Using software to boost grapevine health
As women leave an abusive situation, they seek emergency shelter. Then, as they imagine a new, safer, better life, they can move to transitional, independent living. There, they gain skills and access community resources to get back on their feet. That’s where organizations like the Rebound Foundation come in. “The women that we help out with the Rebound Foundation is … [Read more...] about Helping domestic abuse survivors gain technological skills
When your faith conflicts with your vocation, you may feel tension. A couple of years ago, Dr. Heidi Hadley, assistant professor of English at Missouri State University, studied the tensions that evangelical Christians experienced in their roles as language arts teachers. “As a teacher, your job is to welcome and affirm every student’s identity in your classroom,” Hadley said. … [Read more...] about Does your faith impact how you do your job?