Movies, Projects, and Family Law- Oh My!

Over the past few weeks we have done many interesting things in class. We did a project relating to stem cell research, wire tapping, global warming, and the michigan budget crisis. We also talked alot about family law. Currently we are watching a movie about the economy of a prison town.
The project we did was one of the best projects that i have ever done at JAMD. It was extremely interesting not only to participate but also to watch. I learned many many things about some hot topics around the globe. I liked how we combined classes to come up with the project. I also enjoyed playing a different individual and taking his view on the issue. I think it would be very benificially if we did more of these projects.
I find family law to be one of the most interesting types of law. I think it is very interesting as too how the laws for families are made because their are hundreds of different factors. I think it is horrible that their are so many benifits to marriage when some people arnt allowed to get married at all. How are we to deny them the benifits that so many other people are allowed to have. I also find the concept of divorce interesting. Why has the percent of people in america to get a divorce been raised to much. Personally i believe the reason is becuase people in america are too hasty and rush into commitments. It would be more benificially for couples to live together first and try to be together for a longer period before getting married. For the concept of child support. How is the the amount determined as too what the father or mother has to pay? Is it a percentage of the wage he or she recieves?
This documentary is extremely interesting but also very sad. It is sad because they thought that the prisons would help their economy when in the end it destroys it. It is interesting because it follows the life of different people and their situations with in the town, but all having to do with prison. I think it is horrible that the man was sent to prison for sixteen months for steeling food for his starving children. He said that he did something wrong, but for the right reaons. I completely agree with this. Can sombody really be that harshly punished when they were only doing it so that people could live. Even though their is a three strike penalty in california i still feel that it is unfair and unjust to punish an entire family for one mans bad decision and course of action. It would be better if the law had something to do with the reason for commiting the crime. If somebody stole for the right reasons such as this case, which is so that his kids wouldnt starve, is much better then if somebody stole for the wrong reasons. The problem is that it doesnt matter, but it should. Somebody that stole for the "right reasons" should recieve a less harsh of a punishment.
Until next time, if you have a legal issue, grab a tissue.