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Full-Text Articles in Law

Direct Democracy: The Right Of The People To Make Fools Of Themselves; The Use And Abuse Of Initiative And Referendum, A Local Government Perspective, Daniel M. Warner Jan 1995

Direct Democracy: The Right Of The People To Make Fools Of Themselves; The Use And Abuse Of Initiative And Referendum, A Local Government Perspective, Daniel M. Warner

Seattle University Law Review

The Framers of the United States Constitution did not embrace direct, populist democracy. They rejected the Swiss model of direct legislation' and chose a system of representative-republican, not democratic-government that would, as James Madison wrote, "enlarge the public views by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial [partisan] considerations." Representative democracy presumes that an informed electorate will choose wise legislators. Direct democracy, by extension, demands that citizens …


The "Presence Is An Essential Function" Myth: The Ada's Trapdoor For The Chronically Ill, Audrey E. Smith Jan 1995

The "Presence Is An Essential Function" Myth: The Ada's Trapdoor For The Chronically Ill, Audrey E. Smith

Seattle University Law Review

In nearly all cases, long-term chronic illnesses satisfy the ADA's broad definition of disability. However, when these illnesses begin to cause absenteeism, the "presence is an essential function" rule effectively denies protection to the victims of these illnesses, as they are no longer "qualified individuals" under the ADA regardless of whether they satisfy the technical requirements for a position. The idea that "presence is an essential function" is a myth because (1) it erroneously assumes that most jobs can be performed only at the worksite, and (2) virtually all employers are able to, and do, accommodate some degree of employee …