Legal Context Research Articles

Commercial forensic interviewing in the South African context: the Ponaletso CFI framework

Purpose The continued prevalence of financial crime and the lack of effective commercial forensic interviewing strategies prompted the development, presented here, of a conceptual framework to explain the relational dynamics conducive to interactions during a commercial forensic interview (CFI). The purpose of this study is to present such a framework which may facilitate the process of obtaining admissible evidence in different forums. Design/methodology/approach A grounded theory approach was adopted to develop a conceptual framework, drawing on the findings of a scoping review, direct observations of interactions involving commercial forensic practitioners (FPs) and interviewees, and data obtained from semi-structured interviews, making use of critical realism as a meta-theoretical framework. Findings Data obtained from the review informed the integrated approach of the conceptual framework, thus combining the structure of the PEACE model and creating an optimal interpersonal context informed by the person-centred approach (PCA). Observational data were used to identify the relational qualities associated with the interpersonal styles (clusters of relational qualities) of FPs in the CFI context, thereby contributing to complex relational dynamics. Interview data were used both to describe effective and ineffective interpersonal styles and how they played out in the CFI with interviewees, yielding information that unfortunately proved not to be admissible in a legal context. The findings of the different phases indicated the need for an integrated conceptual approach, the Ponaletso CFI framework, which draws on the structure of the PEACE model and the PCA, as expressed in the relational qualities of interactional pattern analysis (IPA). The framework consists of the interview stage (before, during and after), the structure (phases) of the PEACE model, the type of questions (open- or closed-ended) according to the PCA, FPs’ interpersonal styles (clusters of relational qualities as explained by IPA) and the observable relational dynamics between FPs and interviewees. When FPs use the Ponaletso CFI framework, there is a greater likelihood of extracting admissible evidence because the interview is guided by a clear structure with a step-by-step questioning approach by FPs, while taking into consideration the relational dynamics to which they contribute. Originality/value The proposed conceptual framework considers relational dynamics and how FPs can navigate towards optimal relational dynamics in CFI contexts. FPs can apply the structure, ask appropriate questions at the relevant phases and observe the relational dynamics playing out in the interpersonal context of the CFI. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt at creating an integrated interviewing framework for conducting CFIs aligned with the legal context in South Africa. Using the Ponaletso CFI framework may aid FPs in obtaining admissible evidence and facilitate an optimal interpersonal context during commercial forensic investigations while respecting interviewees’ constitutional rights.

The Complexity of Inheritance: A Comparative Analysis of the Distribution of Inheritance in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code

The division of inheritance is a complex and important issue in society. This study aims to compare the system of inheritance distribution in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. The research method to be used is literature study and document analysis. The main findings of this study are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the differences and similarities between the two legal systems. This research can make a new contribution in highlighting the complexity of heritage in the legal and social context in Indonesia. This study aims to compare the system of inheritance distribution in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. The division of inheritance has importance because it is the process of dividing the deceased property for the heirs. However, the process of inheritance distribution is complex because there are differences in the system of inheritance distribution between Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. Therefore, this study will review these complexities and provide a deeper understanding of the differences in the division of inheritance between the two legal systems.The research methodology used in this study is a comparative research that takes the example of the inheritance distribution system in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. Data for this study were collected through a literature study, using documents such as the Qur'an, Hadith, and the Civil Code as primary sources. This study found that the system of inheritance distribution in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code has significant differences. In Sharia, the main principle is fair and balanced, with categories of heirs including husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. However, in the Civil Code, the main principle is the freedom to manage inheritance, with categories of heirs including husbands, wives, sons, daughters, parents, and siblings. The number of inheritance shares is also calculated based on the differences in those systems. The implication is that the inheritance sharing system can affect individual rights and family relationships, as well as have different social and legal impacts in Indonesia.

Understanding the Complexity of Executions in Religious Courts: Between Legal Mandates and Field Realities

This article examines the complexities in the implementation of rulings in religious courts, highlighting the division between legal theory and its practical implementation in the field. Religious courts, as important institutions in a country's legal system, aim to uphold justice in the legal context of Islam or other religions. However, behind the clear legal mandate, there are real challenges in the execution of judgments, reflecting the reality of social, cultural, and political complexity. The analysis in this article refers to the difference between an ideal legal theory and the often complex reality of the field. Factors such as social norms, gender inequality, and changes in societal values can affect executions in religious courts. In addition, limited resources, lack of legal infrastructure, and administrative challenges are also major obstacles. Using a multidimensional approach, this article explores various aspects that influence the effectiveness of executions in religious courts. This provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of the legal system and highlights the need for a holistic approach in understanding and addressing these challenges. In this context, the article also evaluates reform efforts that can be undertaken to improve efficiency and fairness in the implementation of rulings in religious courts. In conclusion, this article asserts that to understand and address the complexities of executions in religious courts, a comprehensive approach is needed that considers both legal aspects and social, cultural, and political realities on the ground. Thus, this article is expected to serve as a basis for further discussion and reform efforts in the religious justice system.

Problems of Admissibility and Reliability of Metadata as Evidence

This paper examines the challenges surrounding the admissibility and reliability of metadata as evidence in civil proceedings. It explores the legal standards, authentication issues, and technical complexities involved in presenting metadata in court. The study analyzes key legal cases, technical methodologies, and emerging technologies that impact the use of metadata as evidence. It addresses concerns such as metadata alteration, spoliation, privacy issues, and cross-border challenges. The research highlights the importance of forensic soundness, expert testimony, and proper interpretation of metadata in legal contexts. Additionally, it discusses the application of traditional evidence rules to digital information and the evolving standards for burden of proof in electronic evidence. The paper concludes by considering future challenges posed by emerging technologies and the need for ongoing legal and technical education in this rapidly evolving field.

Theoretical Foundations and Ethical Considerations in Quantum Law

This article explores the emerging field of quantum law, examining its theoretical foundations and the ethical considerations that arise from the intersection of quantum mechanics and legal theory. As quantum technologies advance, legal systems face unprecedented challenges in adapting to a reality where traditional concepts of causality, locality, and determinism are called into question. This research synthesizes insights from quantum physics, legal philosophy, and ethics to construct a framework for understanding and addressing the implications of quantum phenomena in legal contexts. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and theoretical analysis, we identify key areas of impact, including privacy, intellectual property, and criminal justice. The study concludes by proposing guidelines for the development of quantum-aware legal systems and highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of quantum law.

A IMPERATIVIDADE DA TEORIA DO DESESTÍMULO EM SERVIÇOS DEFEITUOSOS: UMA ANÁLISE DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA DAS TURMAS RECURSAIS DO JUIZADO ESPECIAL CÍVEL DO ESTADO DO AMAZONAS

The paper explores the concept of moral damage, highlighting its compensatory, punitive, and preventive functions, with a focus on the application of the deterrence theory in cases of defective services within the Brazilian legal context, particularly in the Special Civil and Criminal Courts of Amazonas. It analyzes the historical development of consumer rights and the role of Special Courts in promoting swift and accessible justice, emphasizing the importance of transparency, good faith, and equity principles in consumer relations. The research employs a doctrinal and jurisprudential approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of deterrence theory as a tool to curb harmful practices and alleviate the judicial system, fostering a fairer and more responsible business environment. The study concludes that the strict application of punitive damages significantly contributes to the protection of consumer rights, strengthening the civil liability system and social justice in Brazil.

Technology-Enhanced Approaches for Teaching English to Law Students: Innovations and Best Practices

This research paper summarizes an investigation into technology-enhanced English language teaching for law students in Medellín, Colombia. It briefly outlines the study's objectives, methodologies, and key findings, focusing on the improved English language proficiency, legal communication skills, and increased student engagement and autonomy due to technology-enhanced learning. Background: The study addresses the importance of English language proficiency for law students in a global legal context and the challenges in teaching English to this group. It reviews relevant literature on technology in language learning, particularly in legal education, establishing the theoretical basis for the research. Materials and Methods: The paper describes a mixed-methods approach involving 40 law students in Medellín. It explains the use of questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews and observations for qualitative data, alongside the methods of data analysis and ethical considerations of the research. Results: Findings from questionnaires indicate positive student perceptions of technology in learning and improvements in language proficiency. Qualitative data from interviews and observations highlight enhanced legal communication skills and increased engagement and autonomy in learning due to technology use. Conclusions: The conclusion synthesizes the study's findings, underscoring the positive impact of technology in legal English education. It discusses the implications for educators and suggests integrating technology into the curriculum. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, particularly in exploring effective technology-enhanced teaching strategies.

Redefining global entrepreneurship: shifting focus from China to Central and Eastern Europe

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the viability of shifting foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in light of recent geopolitical and economic challenges. By analyzing case studies, it argues that CEE nations offer a compelling alternative for Western European businesses, with stronger intellectual property protection, political stability and alignment with European Union (EU) sustainability goals. The paper provides insights for firms and policymakers on mitigating risks and enhancing business operations by pivoting toward the CEE region, offering practical recommendations for adapting to shifting global trade dynamics. Design/methodology/approach The design methodology uses the case study approach to analyze the shift of FDI from China to CEE. This method examines the geopolitical, economic and legal contexts influencing business decisions, using real-world examples of Western European companies that have made this transition. The case studies highlight key factors in decision-making and the benefits of relocating investments to the CEE region. Findings The study identifies several advantages of the CEE region over China for Western European firms. These include geographic proximity, similarities in business values and purposes, environmental accountability, trustworthiness in business, enforceable noncompetition rules, lower risks of counterfeiting, reduced political and administrative risks, lower risks of intellectual property theft and reduced risks of negative publicity. Practical implications The findings suggest that Western European firms should consider redirecting their FDI to the CEE region to mitigate risks associated with investing in China. This move could offer long-term benefits despite short-term complications. Originality/value This paper contributes to the FDI theoretical framework by enhancing the cultural, administrative, geographic and economic (CAGE) distance framework. It provides a unique perspective on the shifting dynamics between Europe and China and highlights the potential of the CEE region as a viable alternative for FDI.

Mental health and well-being in prisons and places of detention.

This study aims to address the critical mental health challenges faced by individuals in prisons and places of detention. By introducing and validating a novel conceptual framework that integrates social determinants of health with the stress process model, this study aims to provide actionable insights for improving mental health care in correctional settings. The research seeks to inform policymakers, prison administrators and mental health professionals about effective interventions and systemic reforms that can reduce recidivism, enhance rehabilitation and promote a more humane and just criminal justice system. This study uses a multi-method research design integrating a systematic literature review, qualitative interviews, multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and a small-scale empirical study within a correctional facility. The systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines, analysing peer-reviewed articles, government reports and policy documents. Semi-structured interviews with 25 mental health professionals provide practical insights, whereas the MCE assesses intervention effectiveness based on expert consensus. The empirical study involves baseline assessments, intervention implementation and follow-up evaluations using validated tools, providing robust data to validate the proposed conceptual framework that integrates social determinants of health with the stress process model. This study finds that mental health disorders are significantly more prevalent in prison populations than in the general population, with interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), peer support programs and trauma-informed care showing considerable effectiveness in reducing symptoms. Emerging technologies such as AI and telemedicine present promising avenues for enhancing care but require careful ethical consideration. The research also highlights the critical role of social determinants and the importance of systemic reforms, such as reducing solitary confinement and integrating prison health care with broader public health systems, in improving inmate mental health and reducing recidivism. This study's quasi-experimental design, while robust, may limit the generalizability of the findings to other correctional settings because of specific facility characteristics. Additionally, the sample size for qualitative interviews, although diverse, could have been larger to provide more nuanced insights, particularly for underrepresented groups. This study highlights the need for more longitudinal research to assess the long-term effects of interventions and the scalability of approaches across different cultural and legal contexts. Future studies should address these limitations by using more diverse sampling, larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and prison administrators, emphasizing the need to integrate evidence-based mental health interventions, such as CBT and trauma-informed care, into prison reform strategies. It highlights the importance of training correctional staff in mental health first aid and the potential of emerging technologies like AI and telemedicine to enhance care delivery in resource-limited settings. Implementing these recommendations could significantly improve inmate mental health outcomes, reduce recidivism rates and promote a more humane and effective correctional system, with broader benefits for public health and social equity. Improving mental health care in prisons has significant social implications, particularly in promoting social justice and reducing inequalities. Effective mental health interventions can help break the cycle of incarceration and recidivism, particularly in marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. By addressing the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals, society can foster safer communities, reduce crime rates and alleviate the economic burden on the criminal justice and health-care systems. Furthermore, enhancing mental health care in prisons reflects a commitment to human dignity, fairness and the rehabilitation of offenders, contributing to a more just and compassionate society. This study introduces a novel conceptual framework that integrates social determinants of health with the stress process model, specifically tailored for correctional facilities. It provides original empirical data from a real-world prison setting, offering new insights into the effectiveness of mental health interventions, such as CBT and trauma-informed care. The study's value lies in its comprehensive approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, and its focus on underrepresented populations in correctional settings. By addressing significant gaps in the literature, this research offers practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, contributing to improved mental health outcomes and reduced recidivism.

Adolescent Autonomy and Family Authority: A Bedtime Negotiation Based Perspective

For adolescents, consultation with their parents about bedtime is an awareness of personal autonomy and an understanding of legal norms and the relationship between authority and the governed. The article analyzes the difference between the ideal bedtime and real-life flexibility, emphasizing parents’ adaptability in rule-setting and respect for children’s autonomy. At the same time, the protection of children’s rights under international law and the different definitions of children in various cultural and legal contexts were emphasized. The article’s conclusion shows that, given the specific circumstances of each adolescent and the uniqueness of the family environment, it is impossible to prescribe a fixed bedtime suitable for all adolescents simply. This conclusion underscores the need to consider individual differences and practical life needs when setting family rules, as well as the importance of maintaining family order while respecting children’s autonomy.

The Complexity of Freedom of Speech: Wittgenstein’s Language Game and Gadamer’s Hermeneutics

Freedom of speech is filled in various facets of daily life, which has long been the focus of people’s attention and debate. The concept has multiple layers, including mode, content, and timing of speech. It is worth noting that in different cultural, political and legal contexts, different groups of people interpret and apply freedom of speech in various ways. The purpose of this paper is to compare and analyze Austin’s Speech Act Theory, Ludwig Wittgenstein’s Language Game Theory and Hans-Georg Gadamer’s Hermeneutics. Also it aims to demonstrate and summarize three philosophers’ views on freedom of speech from multiple perspectives. By examining these philosophical frameworks, this paper attempts to guide people to further understand the factors that influence freedom of speech and clarify its inherent complexity. This paper not only provides a detailed analysis of the role of language in different contexts, but also provides a relatively complete model for understanding the dynamic interaction between language and society. In the era of globalization, the contradiction between the basic principle and practice of freedom of expression has become increasingly prominent. The results of the paper are intended to provide a reference for future efforts to strengthen intercultural dialogue to guarantee freedom of speech in pluralistic societies.

How does the rights of homosexuals be influenced by sodomy laws in the 1960s and 1970s

The paper examines the fight for homosexual rights in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the significance of the abolition of sodomy laws and their impact on gay individuals. It highlights the cultural and legal context of the era, including the infamous Stonewall Riots of 1969, which sparked widespread activism. The essay delves into notable legal battles, such as Buchanan v. Batchelor, showcasing the efforts to challenge and repeal sodomy laws. Despite initial setbacks, these legal challenges laid the groundwork for future advancements in LGBTQ+ rights by establishing privacy rights as a constitutional issue. The period was crucial in setting the stage for further progress and the eventual dismantling of discriminatory laws against homosexuals.

Self-determination and self-affirmative paths of trans* and gender diverse people in Portugal: Diverse identities and healthcare

Abstract Background Trans* and gender diverse (TGD) people are very heterogeneous. While legal contexts and healthcare practices have been growingly endorsing self-determination and consent for gender affirmative care in some countries, gender affirmation trajectories need to be understood as unique and fluid processes, constructed and negotiated by each individual in a given social and cultural context. This study aimed to characterize diverse profiles of TGD people in Portugal, regarding individual choices and trajectories in social, legal, and medical gender affirmative processes. Methods A questionnaire, first developed in France and used in Brazil, Italy, Norway, and Chile, was adapted to the Portuguese context. The conducted survey is comprised of 120 questions, organized into six sections: 1) sociodemographic variables; 2) gender affirmation processes and medical and psychological care; 3) general health and sexual health; 4) mental health; 5) sexuality and sexual concerns; 6) experiences of discrimination and gender identity. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 115 adults who identified as TGD. Content analysis was performed on the written responses, and later categorized. Results Approximately 21% of people identified as men, 17% as trans men, 7% as women, 12% as trans women, 26% as non-binary persons, and 17% as agender or other identifications. Differences were calculated among profiles of TGD participants and their choices for affirmative care, social, and legal transition, revealing an association between the way people self-identify and the request for legal recognition of gender identity, as well as the choices of procedures (or aspirations) for medical affirmation (i.e., hormonal treatments, top surgery, bottom surgery). Conclusions The provision of health care practices consistent with the principles of self-determination requires training of health care professionals and adjustment of public policies, to allow for unique trajectories and profiles.

EUTANÁSIA: O ELO ENTRE UM FIM DE VIDA DIGNA E SUA RESTRIÇÃO LEGAL

This study analyzes the role of euthanasia as a way of guaranteeing a dignified end of life and the legal restrictions that this practice faces in Brazil. The central problem is to understand how legal restrictions on euthanasia impact the search for a dignified end of life and respect for the patient's autonomy? The general objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the concept of euthanasia, the search for a dignified end of life and the legal restrictions imposed in different social, cultural and legal contexts. The choice of topic is part of the growing discussion about the right to choose for terminally ill patients in countries where euthanasia is legalized, contrasting with the Brazilian scenario, where the practice is criminalized. In this context, the tensions between the patient's autonomy, unbearable suffering and the value of life according to the national legal system will be addressed. The methodology used is qualitative and bibliographic in nature, with the analysis legislation, relevant judicial decisions, and the collection of data on the public and academic perception of euthanasia. Furthermore, legal doctrines dealing with bioethics and the right to life will be presented, with the aim of offering a critical reflection on the dilemmas involved in this debate.

Systematic review of ethical/methodological issues in transgender youth participative research

Abstract Background Understanding the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth is essential for developing appropriate support services. However, studies focusing on TGD youth under 18 outside clinical settings are scarce, limiting effective support development. The requirement for parental consent in participatory research poses ethical and logistical challenges, impacting the safety, well-being, and privacy of adolescent participants. This dynamic complicates the balance between adolescents’ rights to autonomy and privacy and parental duties to protect their children. This review aims to illuminate the ethical and methodological challenges in participatory research with TGD youth. Methods A systematic review of bibliometric databases from 2006 to 2022 was conducted, focusing on transgender and gender non-conforming identities, adolescence, qualitative and participatory research methods, and consent issues. This review was registered with PROSPERO in November 2022 (CRD42022368360). Results Of 3,794 articles initially identified, 291 met the inclusion criteria, and 48 were extensively reviewed. Research with TGD youth commonly faces ethical tensions including parental inclusion in the consent process, safeguarding participant safety and privacy, ensuring confidentiality, and creating environments that allow TGD youth to express themselves and feel empowered. Methodological challenges include engaging public and stakeholders, recruiting participants, data collection, and maintaining research integrity. Conclusion & Implications The literature on participatory research with young transgender and gender-diverse individuals reveals intricate and often conflicting issues related to consent procedures, power dynamics, and the researcher’s role. These findings are applicable in various legal and geographical contexts, providing insights that can guide practices globally. Key messages • Research reveals ethical dilemmas in participatory research with transgender young people, highlighting difficulties around consent and the need for tailored support. • Understanding the complexities of research ethics enables better support for transgender and gender-diverse young people during research.

5.L. Round table: Gaining or losing ground? Leveraging social innovation to improve abortion access in Europe

Abstract Sexual and reproductive health services are fundamental to ensuring a wide range of human rights, including the right to health. This includes guaranteeing access to abortion care, which international human rights bodies and the World Health Organization have recognised as a critical component of states’ obligation to respect and ensure human rights. Abortion regulation in Europe continues to evolve along a continuum from restrictive to liberal. For decades, the legislative trend across Europe has been towards the expansion of entitlements to abortion, and the repeal of legal and policy restrictions. In the last ten years, over 15 European countries have undertaken reforms to modernize their laws, including Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain. Currently, new progressive reforms are being considered in several countries. However, more restrictive reforms have also been adopted. Health system structures and sociopolitical, cultural, ethical, and moral dimensions shape access to abortion services, while abortion regulation often causes tensions in countries. The landscape is complex, with debates over legalisation and decriminalisation of abortion, and the procedural steps to ensure service provision. Differences in regulation across and within countries result in myriad access inequalities. Understanding abortion regulation in Europe is vital to assessing service equity and access. Exploring the sociopolitical contexts of abortion helps identify potential actions for ensuring access to abortion care. In exploring the range of potential actions, we focus on social innovation, i.e., new social practices to better meet social needs and the processes undertaken to get there. The country expert (HSPM) network of the European Observatory has launched a cross-country study of the state of abortion services in 19 high-income countries since 2018. This workshop will outline the legal, regulatory, service-delivery, and sociopolitical contexts of abortion in Europe, identifying challenges to access. It will take recent experiences in Germany, Ireland, and Portugal to examine differential access, ongoing political debates, and social positioning of abortion in Europe, and as a springboard to discuss the role of social innovation in shaping legal and regulatory changes. Lastly, this workshop will explore how the public health research community can contribute to evidence-based abortion policymaking and implementation. This interactive workshop will start with a presentation of findings from the European Observatory’s cross-country comparison. Then, country experts from the 3 case studies and a representative from the Center for Reproductive Rights will examine the sociopolitical environment of abortion policymaking in Europe. Discussion with audience interventions will reflect on opportunities for social innovation and movement building toward better access to abortion care in Europe and explore the role of the public health research community. Key messages • European abortion laws constantly evolve with a prevalent legislative trend towards expanding access and removing barriers; social innovation can be a lever to progressive law and policy reforms. • In all countries, those seeking abortion care continue to experience multiple access barriers, including those related to policy, regulation, financing, geography, and culture. Speakers/Panelists Katherine Polin Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany Miriam Blümel Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany Catherine Conlon Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Ines Fronteira National School of Public Health - NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal Adriana Lamačková Center for Reproductive Rights, Geneva, Switzerland

Marital Contracts on the Fault Lines: A Liberal Inquiry

Abstract The revolution in Western family law over the past 50 years—often described as ‘liberalization’—involves a decrease in the importance of fault-based factors alongside an increase in the significance of marital contracts. While these two trends generally complement each other, they may conflict when a couple seeks to assign economic consequences to sexual fault through a contract. Should such an agreement be legally enforceable? Which aligns more with a ‘true liberal’ perspective: advocating against fault or for the use of contracts? This paper suggests a new approach that goes beyond simply determining which trend should prevail. We illustrate how the perceived conflict between proponents of sexual liberalization and proponents of contractual liberalization could be resolved by identifying the underlying reasons that motivate each ‘camp’, proposing potential legal mechanisms and specific legal contexts in which broad agreement might be reached, and explicating the multidimensionality of family law liberalization.

DESAFIOS JURÍDICOS NA REGULAMENTAÇÃO DAS CRIPTOMOEDAS SOB A CONSTITUIÇÃO BRASILEIRA

The research addresses the "Legal Challenges in the Regulation of Cryptocurrencies under the Brazilian Constitution", with the objective of analyzing the legal difficulties related to the regulation of cryptocurrencies in the country. In addition, it seeks to investigate how these digital currencies align with constitutional principles, examine their impact on the Brazilian economy and the security of the business environment, and propose recommendations for adequate regulation. The research problem can be summarized in the following question: In what way does the regulation of cryptocurrencies, in light of the Brazilian Constitution, influence the individual guarantees of citizens and the legal security of the system? The regulation of cryptocurrencies in Brazil presents significant challenges in the legal and constitutional context. Although these virtual currencies play a growing role in the global economy, their decentralized nature, lack of state control, and volatility generate uncertainties that directly affect the Brazilian legal system. The research uses a bibliographical approach, based on academic studies, doctrines, and legislation, aiming to offer a critical view on the subject and contribute to the legal debate around cryptocurrencies in the national scenario.

Explaining stable accounting practices at the Mahou brewery, Madrid, 1890s to 1970s

ABSTRACT Given the generally ubiquitous practice of brewing, exploring accounting in breweries is useful to understand the evolution of accounting practices within firms over time. Breweries, many of which have survived for centuries, operate(d) in differing political, legal, professional and economic contexts, yet produce a relatively standardised product. A standard product but differing context may influence how accounting was practised within breweries over time, and some prior studies have adopted institutional concepts to explore the stability/change of brewery accounting. To date, much of the existing research is in an Anglo-Saxon context. This study contributes to a growing literature in other contexts by exploring Mahou, a Spanish brewer with the aim to examine how internal accounting practices were affected by a differing institutional context and the stability/change of these practices. The accounting records of Mahou reveal stable practices over the study period, despite change in its operating context. They also reveal an emphasis on meeting legal requirements, with less evidence of accounting information which may be useful for decision making. This conclusion is in apparent contrast to practices at other breweries of a similar period.

The Need to Reconnect Public Administration Education, Research, and Practice

How relevant is current public administration pedagogy to the discipline and to those working in public service? Public administration education prepared leaders during World War II and the New Deal and once was viewed as a critical subfield of political science. Over the years, and despite various Minnowbrook incarnations, public administration has become a self-standing but narrowly defined body of knowledge characterized as “the business of government,” without any relational emphasis on its historical, legal, and economic context. This diminished intellectual scope poses a serious challenge to its practical relevance.