Poland’s Judicial Reforms: A Violation of EU Law?

By: Inessa Wurscher.

Since 2016, tensions have been high between Poland and the European Union over several new laws that Poland has been working to pass regarding their court system. In response to these new laws, the European Union has begun to implement both the rule of law procedure and the infringement procedure against Poland. While these legal changes may serve an important role in increasing judicial efficiency in Poland, the new legislation may not be in compliance with Poland's obligations under European Union law, leaving Poland open to potential sanctions.

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MSU ILRPoland, European Union, Judicial Reform, Inessa Wurscher
Will the Development of the Russian Pharmaceutical Industry Lead to Movement Towards Self-Regulation?
Will the Development of the Russian Pharmaceutical Industry Lead to Movement Towards Self-Regulation?

By: Evan Bonnstetter.

The Russian pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing and is poised to continue on this trajectory in the next several years. This growth coincides with concerted action by the Russian government to foster development in Russian-manufactured pharmaceuticals as part of its broader strategy to develop its pharmaceutical industry. However, with growth comes growing pains, and in the coming months and years Russian government and industry will encounter challenges, the solutions to which will shape the contours of the pharmaceutical market in Russia.

Image credit: http://static.government.ru/media/photos/288x162/41d4dd846ba5ef63192b.jpg

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MSU ILRRussia, Evan Bonnstetter, Health Care Regulation
Battle of the Sexes: A Look at the Women's Rights Movement in Bulgaria
Battle of the Sexes: A Look at the Women's Rights Movement in Bulgaria

By: Kelly R. McClintock

Bulgaria, an Eastern European country formerly a part of the Soviet Bloc, did not criminalize domestic violence until 2005.[1] The lack of such basic protection for women symbolized the country’s tolerance, indifference, and even promotion of degradation of women. However, grassroots organizations working with regional and international partners in Bulgaria have made significant strides for women’s rights since 2005. 

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MSU ILRWomen & Girls, Sexism, YesAllWomen, EverydaySexism, Kelly McClintock, Bulgaria, Human Rights
MONGOLIA: DEADLY POLLUTION
MONGOLIA: DEADLY POLLUTION

By: Mollie M. McSweeney.

Pollution has quickly become one of Mongolia’s largest issues. The high levels of pollution threaten the health, safety and wellness of the people that reside there. The issue of pollution is so extreme, that it can lead to even death. It is imperative that this issue be resolved in a timely manner because the people of Mongolia’s lives are at risk.

Image credit: “A woman wears a face mask in the part of the city near neighbourhoods known for burning coal for heating in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, January 26, 2017.” Eleanor Ross, How Deadly Pollution Became One of Mongolia’s Biggest Problems, Newsweek, (March 2, 2017), http://www.newsweek.com/pollution-mongolia-ulaanbaatar-deadly-kill-children-higher-beijing-562881.

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MSU ILRMongolia, Pollution, Human Rights
Is the International Olympic Committee Failing Olympic Athletes Worldwide?
Is the International Olympic Committee Failing Olympic Athletes Worldwide?

By: Andrew Kemmer.

The Olympics are lucrative business today. The International Olympic Committee is a billion-dollar organization, and it is supposed to facilitate Olympic sports worldwide. Instead, it absolves itself of responsibility by giving away money to international federations to do with as they please. That leaves athletes to languish in poverty while IOC executives and broadcasting companies get rich off of them.

Image credit: https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-invites-olympic-winter-athletes-to-pyeongchang-2018-with-just-one-year-to-go

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MSU ILRIOC, International Olympic Committee, SportsLaw, Human Trafficking, Human Rights
Ending Swiss Secrecy: Switzerland's Lex FIFA
Ending Swiss Secrecy: Switzerland's Lex FIFA

By: Angela Gamalski.

Swiss authorities have traditionally had limited abilities to hold an association or corporation organized as a Swiss legal person legally accountable for bribery or corrupt acts committed by natural persons. In 2016, the Swiss criminal code "Lex FIFA" amendments became effective. Following these new laws, Switzerland should no longer a legal safe haven for associations and other corporate entities to avoid vicarious liability for the actions of that entity’s leadership.

Image credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup_bids#/media/File:Joseph_Blatter_-_World_Cup_2014.jpg

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MSU ILRIOC, FIFA, Switzerland, Angela Gamalski
Saudi Girls Just Want to Have Fun: Female Participation in Sports in Saudi Arabia 
Saudi Girls Just Want to Have Fun: Female Participation in Sports in Saudi Arabia 

By : Kathryn Bristor.

While the Olympics are a time of global celebration, for women in Saudi Arabia it is also a painful reminder of the lack of opportunities they have to compete in sports.  Though the country is taking small steps towards female inclusion in sports, the movement is anything but expedited.  Although a handful of women have competed on the Saudi Olympic team, the question remains whether this has furthered women’s rights back home or if their participation is merely a show to appease international human rights concerns. 

Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wojdan_Shaherkani.jpg

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MSU ILRSaudi Arabia, Sports Law, Women & Girls, Kathryn Bristor