Introduction
In 2005, the Iraqi Constitutional Committee drafted the Iraqi constitution, replacing the Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period (“TAL”), the first governing law in Iraq since the Coalition Provisional Authority took control in 2003. Recognizing the 2005 constitution as a temporary document, the first parliament formed the Constitutional Review Committee (“CRC”) in September of 2006 to determine whether and how to amend the constitution.

In light of the CRC’s efforts, this article reviews state practice for the sourcing of high court authority, synthesizes the results to identify patterns where possible, and assesses the Iraqi constitution’s consistency with state practice. Specifically, this article examines whether states use constitutional provisions or domestic legislation to provide for their high court’s powers and functions, independence, authority, structure and administration, and identifies for the CRC those provisions that may be inconsistent.

Powers and Functions
Many states include a broad statement identifying the powers and functions of the high court. Such statements can include, on a very general level, which controversies a high court may consider, and what role the high court is to play in society.

Abstract
As science forges ahead, it is easy to allow our general notions of health to be dictated by medical innovations. Yet, we would benefit in choosing these beliefs carefully, keeping our focus on basic health necessities. As a society, we have become dependent on the “quick fixes” science offers and begun to ignore the most important elements of maintaining one’s health. This is manifested in great disparities in America’s health system, in which the wealthy may utilize wonders like antidepressants and plastic surgery to achieve their ideal “healthy” state, while the poor are struggling to receive basic primary care. We could correct this dismal state of health in America by increasing personal and public awareness of health issues and using grassroots techniques to improve the availability of medical necessities and discourage unnecessary medical practices.

Medical Dependence in Contemporary Society
An exploration of the evolution of society suggests that our contemporary society in all its glory and corruption is a direct result of changes within the ideology of the American individuals. These ideological changes have not occurred on their own, but rather are influenced by a number of factors, including current research, politics, and popular culture. Scientific research and political negotiation, both of which are significantly misunderstood or mysterious to a large portion of the public, are curiously accepted as authoritative. This inevitably allows the scientific community, elected officials, and other leaders to dictate the evolution of society. Science in particular is seen as a means of advancement, and some of the advancements which have garnered the most public interest are those which can change human conditions: medicine.

Abstract
Many individuals in the gay and lesbian populations in America are striving to be included in the existing powersystem in the United States rather than transforming that system to be more inclusive. This method of working within the confi nes of America’s hierarchical structure is likely to secure more rights for a small group of people within a relatively short frame of time; however, it ultimately fails to transform the existing stratifi cation of power in America, and therefore leaves other gay and lesbian Americans exposed to exploitation and abuse.

Looking back on history, we can see that the portrayal of homosexuality has changed. In our society, we no longer regard homosexuality as a crime or an illness, but rather as an identity or lifestyle. Despite growing acceptance, however, homosexuality is oft en still referred to as a sin or an abomination, especially by those who claim to speak in the name of “religion” or “morality.” Homosexual people are therefore still struggling to protect themselves from crime and abuse, and are far from enjoying equal rights.

While religion has often been the source for demonizing homosexuality, some people are trying to reconcile their faith and their sexuality, as there are even ordained homosexual people in some religious institutions. However, many gay and lesbian people seem to be striving to be included in the existing power-system rather than transforming that system to be more inclusive. Th is method of working within the system is likely to secure more rights for a small group of people within a measurable frame of time, but it fails to transform the existing hierarchical power structure, and therefore leaves others exposed to exploitation and abuse.

Abstract
“A Green Asian Dragon?” examines the critical environmental situation of modern China. The scale and severity of the environmental difficulties are unprecedented and pose globally oriented problems including water-scarcity, ecological destruction, urbanization and greenhouse gas emissions . These issues have resulted in major economic losses and increasing social and political instability as the Chinese populace has become disgruntled with local environmental situations. The Chinese government is facing a critical economic, environmental and cultural nexus that could prove to be potentially destabilizing. Policy solutions to these difficulties require a pluralistic approach that strengthen environmental protection laws and policing agencies; create market based incentives to encourage compliance; and finally, expand community and human development programs through NGOs. The 2008 Olympics in Beijing will provide a benchmark for the Chinese as they aspire to impress the world with their sustainable development and future potential as a world power.