Legislative Action Research Articles

Employee Speech in the United States: The Two Regimes

This article explores the two distinct regimes that protect employee speech in the United States: one for public-sector workers under the First Amendment and one for private-sector workers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). While both regimes provide certain speech protections, they operate in fundamentally different ways, shaped by their underlying legal and policy frameworks. Public sector workers’ speech is protected by a limited version of the First Amendment, with protections only extending to speech on matters of public concern and subject to the government's interest in managing the workforce. In contrast, private-sector employees are protected by the NLRA, which focuses on speech related to workplace conditions and union activities. However, private-sector protections do not extend to broader political speech or matters of public concern. The article discusses how these two regimes reflect different priorities—protecting democratic discourse in the public sector versus safeguarding collective bargaining rights in the private sector—and how, despite occasional overlap through state laws, they rarely intersect. It also examines how modern developments, such as the rise of social media, challenge the adequacy of these speech protections and may require legislative or administrative action to better address the realities of contemporary communication. Ultimately, the article highlights the limited and targeted nature of employee speech protections in the U.S., consistent with the broader trend of limited employment protections due to the legacy of at-will employment.

Towards a Person-Centered After-Visit Summary to Facilitate Improved Heart Failure Care (HF-AVS): A Scoping Review and Call to Action.

Person-centered care (PCC) has been advanced as an optimal model of chronic heart failure management in multiple guidelines. However, fulfilling the ideal of this model requires overcoming healthcare fragmentation via effective provider-to-patient communication. One potential communication tool is the after-visit summary (AVS), a core feature of modern electronic health records (EHR); however, little is known regarding its quality from a PCC lens and whether an optimal AVS for the heart failure (HF) population has been created previously. We evaluate the history of AVS use in U.S. healthcare as well as map the extent and type of evidence on its quality, stakeholder perspectives, and attempts to perform PCC-related modifications across various healthcare settings as well as in acute-on-chronic or chronic HF specifically, evaluating if a HF-specific AVS (HF-AVS) has been reported. A search of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted via MEDLINE (Pubmed) and SCOPUS. Select gray literature was included if cited by peer-reviewed articles. Articles were included if they were: 1) written in English, 2) discussed an EHR-generated documented intended for provider-to-patient communication, & 3) were situated within the U.S. healthcare system. Two authors screened relevant articles, with disagreements resolved by consensus. If a resolution was not found the senior author broke ties. Data were extracted by one abstractor and checked by at least one additional abstractor. This scoping review found that the AVS became a part of the modern electronic health record via legislative action. Incentives for continued use are still in place. While AVS use is widespread its quality is poor, without the necessary readability for PCC models. Patient, provider, and care partner perspectives suggest the need to reduce medical jargon reduction and streamlining workflows; however, barriers exist the level of EHR vendors, preventing large PCC modifications. In contrast, small "embeddable" interventions appear more likely to be successful. No HF-AVS was identified; however, the modification of an existing patient-oriented discharge summary for heart failure (PODS-HF) was present, warranting exploration of embedding the document into EHRs. One potential HF specific "embeddable" intervention is free text prompting patient initiation and up titration of guideline-directed medical therapy and routing to HF nursing and pharmacist teams. If pursued, teams should secure funding, collaborate with EHR vendors, and trial these interventions with objective medication and/or exercise adherence. Limitations to this scoping review are present including the lack of a pre-registered protocol. Future work is needed to increase the quality of the AVS evidence base.

Regulations and Policies on the Management of the End of the Life of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electrical Vehicles

Electrical vehicle (EV) batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, pose significant environmental challenges due to their hazardous components, the effects of initial building-material fabrication, and the difficulties of recycling and disposal. Policies and legislative strategies adopted by different governments to solve these issues are investigated in this manuscript, specifically based on circularity and resource use. Important steps are end-of-life management, safe disposal and transportation, avoidance of hazardous gas emissions, circularity, resource use, fire prevention, and expanded producer accountability. As of February 2024, New Jersey is the first and only state in the United States that has adopted a thorough legislative framework for EV battery management, therefore establishing a standard for other states. California passed major laws encouraging Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) battery manufacture and recycling. Other states are likewise trying to show initiative by implementing and changing laws. Globally, the European Union is leading, while Canada, Australia, China, and others have created strong rules of regulation. This paper looks at and contrasts the environmental problems of lithium-ion electric vehicles with the legislative actions made by different nations and states to solve these problems. By means of a thorough examination of these policies, this paper seeks to present a whole picture of the current scene and the best techniques for lifetime management of EV batteries that can be embraced by different governments. In this manuscript, a comparison is made between two leading legislations, specifically that of the state of New Jersey and the European Union. To achieve the most beneficial outcome, it is the responsibility of stakeholders to promote rules; emphasize battery recycling, secure disposal, and extended producer accountability; promote innovation in sustainable battery technology; and try to build a pragmatic approach to battery management to mitigate environmental impacts based on a hybrid version of the legislations from the state of New Jersey and the European Union.

Mental health law in Philippines: health policy issues governing mental health promotion among Filipino older adults with serious mental illnesses

Purpose This study aims to discuss the mental health in the Philippines and the existing laws and health policies governing mental health care among Filipino older adults with serious mental illnesses. Design/methodology/approach The study used health policy research to understand the issues and gaps in the Philippine mental health-care system among older adults. The study used deductive methods (based on testing specific hypotheses) and inductive methods of inquiry (based on the formation of general inferences), which are necessary but insufficient for theory development without retroductive reasoning. The researcher believes that critical realism provides a philosophically grounded theoretical framework that can be used to underpin research into causal mechanisms such as in health policy analysis. Findings Mental health is integral to holistic health. The commitment to improve mental health services is highlighted in the recent legislative actions of policymakers. Mental health professionals and experts suggest that failure to address mental health and psycho-social problems in a population will hinder attempts to increase social capital, promote human development and reduce poverty. Originality/value A disregard for mental health is still apparent. The norm in the Philippines continues to include a chronic shortage of mental health professionals, an inadequate number of mental health facilities and hospitals, a lack of accessible and equitable mental health-care services and treatment, especially for marginalized sectors, and stigma, discrimination and social exclusion against people with mental health conditions are still very widespread. Some people refuse even to get help and treatment for their mental disorders not because of the high cost of treatment but because of the stigma attached to mental disorders.

Current issues of mobilization in wartime

Ukrainian resistance to full-scale armed aggression of the enemy has been going on for the third year. During this time, a significant number of social processes and institutions have changed taking into account the realities of wartime. This is also evidenced by a significant number of legislative changes, initiatives and political discussions. Current issues of mobilization and reservation were discussed at the Association of Lawyers of Ukraine on September 17, 2024. The organizers of the event were four committees of the APU: the Committee on Military Law, Military Justice and Protection of Veterans’ Rights, the Committee on Labor Law, the Committee on Sports Law and the Committee on Agrarian Law. Mobilization training and mobilization are components of a complex of measures carried out to ensure the defense of the state (the Law of Ukraine «On Mobilization Training and Mobilization»). One of the hottest topics throughout the years of the war was and remains the topic of mobilization and reservation of military personnel. Of course, laws regulating public relations in the field of national defense, military service, and military registration have always existed. However, most of them did not take into account the subtleties of the war period that arose in practice. Therefore, starting from February 2022 and to this day, the legislator has been actively adopting new regulatory legal acts that amend existing legislative acts, determine the procedure for implementing certain procedures, etc. From the very beginning of the full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, much attention has been paid to the Law of Ukraine “On Mobilization Training and Mobilization”, which determined the principles of mobilization of military personnel, categories of persons entitled to a deferral from conscription, as well as other relevant issues. At the same time, for more than two years, problematic issues that arose in practice were not regulated by any legislative act, and the only source of information was judicial practice and numerous explanations by officials. A powerful information campaign, demobilization deadlines and a fair recruitment system are needed to resolve these problematic issues that have arisen.

Legal mechanisms for environmental protection under martial law

This article is a comprehensive and thorough study of legal mechanisms for environmental protection under martial law, triggered by Russian aggression against Ukraine. Military actions have caused catastrophic consequences for ecosystems, including air, water, and soil pollution due to the use of explosives and ammunition. The author highlights international legal mechanisms such as the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute, and UN Conventions that regulate environmental protection during armed conflicts. The importance of UN resolutions on environmental security in wartime is also noted. Ukrainian legislation, adapted to the conditions of martial law, includes provisions from the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law on Environmental Protection, and other regulatory acts. However, the suspension of environmental impact assessments for certain activities increases ecological risks in the post-war period. Special attention is given to the Law of Ukraine on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts Regarding Environmental Protection and Civil Defense Activities During Martial Law. Additionally, the author analyzes the state’s strategic initiatives for ecosystem restoration and the implementation of an environmental monitoring system that meets international standards. The article emphasizes the importance of developing climate adaptation measures, promoting environmental education, and enhancing international cooperation. Reports from the Ministry of Environmental Protection confirm progress in implementing these initiatives, including the creation of a greenhouse gas emissions registry. Based on the research, the author formulates practical recommendations, including strengthening the legal framework, intensifying international cooperation, institutional strengthening, preparing for restoration, and ensuring public oversight. A comprehensive approach to the implementation of these measures will help minimize environmental harm during the war and ensure Ukraine’s sustainable development in the future.

Protection of the employee’s right to life in the field of labor at the state (legislative) level

The article is devoted to the problem of protecting the right to life of employees in the labor sphere at the state level, which is one of the key aspects of ensuring human rights in modern society. The right to life, enshrined in international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Social Charter, and guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine, requires effective implementation, especially in the labor sphere, where employees face potential threats every day. The main attention in the article is paid to the analysis of legal mechanisms for protecting the right to life of employees, the effectiveness of state (legislative) protection for compliance with labor protection standards and the problems that arise in this area. The author emphasizes that in order to ensure the implementation and protection of human and civil rights and freedoms, the Constitution and legislation of Ukraine provide for the possibility of citizens taking certain actions, as well as the formation of a system of state bodies, the purpose of which is to assist citizens in the implementation and protection of their rights. Attention is paid to the theoretical aspects of the “category of state protection”, which is quite complex and dynamic in its structure, since it combines a considerable subject composition and numerous legal instruments, and also provides for various forms of interaction in the process of implementing directly protective and security activities. Separately, it is established that the substantive content of the term “state protection” is inextricably linked with such a category as the legal (social) policy of the state, since it is the political course that determines the direction of protection carried out at the state level, as well as its basic and fundamental foundations. The author emphasizes the need to distinguish three forms of state protection of the right to life of employees in the labor sphere: legislative, executive and jurisdictional (judicial). In addition, within these forms, it is proposed to determine the so-called “limits of legal influence”, which include public regulation and regulatory ordering. The article emphasizes that the objective prerequisite for legislative activity is a stable social need for a regulatory act, on the basis of which legal regulation of relations in the labor sphere and effective and unhindered use of rights within such legal relations is carried out. The study is aimed at developing a comprehensive approach to protecting the right to life of employees, which is of great importance for the legal system and social policy of Ukraine. It is concluded that the protection of the right to life in the labor sphere is an important task of the state, which requires a comprehensive approach, including legislative regulation, effective control, training of employees and modernization of production processes.

Payment models and the sustainability of community pharmacy practice: a qualitative interview study with community pharmacists.

The sustainability of community pharmacies in the United States depends, in large part, on policies enacted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In 2003, CMS policy allowed retrospective direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees to manage costs. From 2024, only prospective DIR fees are permitted. The current study explores how existing payment models have impacted practice and how the policy change might impact future practice. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with community pharmacists knowledgeable about third-party payment and reimbursement practices in the state of Missouri. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and reflectively analysed to identify broad themes. Final codes were applied to direct quotes. Participants checked transcripts and drafts of the manuscript for accuracy and completeness. Twelve pharmacists (11 males) with self-expressed knowledge of fees impacting their practice(s) participated. The pharmacists owned or worked for community pharmacies. The median percentage of patients served on Medicare Part D was 35% (range 24% to 60%). Four main themes and one overarching theme were identified. Theme 1 describes a sense of being punished for the basic component of pharmacy practice, i.e. safely dispensing prescription medications. Theme 2 describes a diversification of the business model to subsidise losses on the basic component. Theme 3 describes anticipated challenges given the policy change. Theme 4 describes what may be needed to achieve payment reform. The overarching theme describes the purpose of community pharmacy, including who community pharmacists are and who they serve, i.e. their community. Community pharmacies require a financially viable and sustainable business model to deliver the legally required basic component of practice: safely dispensing prescription medications. Legislative action could help to ensure community pharmacies are appropriately compensated for work at the federal and state levels. Where services beyond the basics cost-effectively benefit public health, payment models could support them.

Perceived job security and politicians’ legislative effort

AbstractThe relationship between job security and politicians’ legislative effort is bidirectional, making isolating the impacts, and the mechanisms underlying them, in either direction difficult. Increased legislative effort could increase politicians’ job security, as they might be considered to be more desirable by voters, however, increased job security can change the incentives to engage in legislative activity. We analyse the behaviour of UK Members of Parliament (MPs) from 1997 to 2019 to examine the mechanisms driving any impact of job security on legislative effort, using an instrument for job security that is not impacted by individual effort. We show that the impact of job security on effort is primarily driven by an opportunity cost of time allocation mechanism, with MPs who are less secure in their job allocating less of their time to legislative activities. This opportunity cost increases with the breadth of their legislative effort, and is primarily driven by individuals with lower outside options, who face a greater cost of electoral defeat. We provide reduced-form evidence that this opportunity cost is primarily driven by the maintenance of non-parliamentary human capital by MPs, rather than activities designed to improve their electoral prospects.

Database: legal nature under Ukrainian and EU law

The article considers certain problematic aspects of the legal regime of databases under Ukrainian and EU law. It has been established that the Law of Ukraine “On Copyright and Related Rights” pays sufficient attention to the legal regulation of relations related to the acquisition, exercise and protection of rights to databases. It has been proven that databases as an object require more thorough and systematic legislative regulation by adopting a separate legislative act, which should comprehensively determine the legal regime of databases. It has been substantiated that the characteristics of a database include: it is a collection of works, data or any other information; these works, data and/or information are contained in an arbitrary form; systematization of works, data, information, or their arrangement; the presence of a special search system to ensure access to works, data, information (which may function including, but not exclusively on the basis of electronic means); it is a predominantly digital object. The influence of modern technologies on the transformation of the form of existence of a database as an object is proven (there has been a gradual evolution of the database from a paper to an electronic form of existence, moreover, the electronic form has almost completely replaced the «paper» database). It is substantiated that due to the development of technologies and innovations, the opportunities of both authors and users of the digital environment have expanded, who have received new ways of using digital content, which can also be contained in databases (which are usually in electronic form). It is established that it is necessary to distinguish between the rights to a database as an object and the rights to objects that are part of the database as its constituent parts. It is established that the legal protection of a non-original database through the mechanism of a special kind of right is aimed at protecting the database as a certain digital object, which can also be used by the person who created it, as well as by other persons (users), who, in order to acquire the status of a legal user, must obtain permission to use it from the person who created such a database. It is substantiated that the norm that databases created to systematize data that is public information in accordance with the Law of Ukraine «On Access to Public Information» are not subject to a special kind of right (sui generis) requires specification, since it is unclear what legal regime applies to the specified databases, who owns the rights to the databases and how to exercise them. It is proved that a special law on databases should regulate the features of the exercise and protection of rights to databases in the digital environment, which is especially relevant in the conditions of the rapid development of technologies and innovations.

Regionalismo, Política Externa e Relações Executivo/Legislativo: O Mercosul e a União Europeia em Perspectiva Comparada

Abstract In a globalized world, Legislative control over matters related to Mercosur and the European Union (EU) is important. However, its importance varies according to Regional Foreign Policy (RFP) decisions. This article investigates whether there are configurations, considering institutional design, political conditions, and economic factors, which explain the intensity of legislative participation in determining such matters. Specialists were consulted to select five decisions that represented significant changes for the regional dynamics of Mercosur and EU member countries. After defining the intentional sample of cases, necessary and sufficient conditions for the participation of the Legislature in RFP were identified through a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). The results indicate that institutional design and economic factors matter, but prior debates in Parliaments on the subject are also relevant to explaining legislative action. This was corroborated by a Coincidence Analysis (CNA) that demonstrated that this variable makes up the causal chain of participation.

Marginalization of Children from Divorced and Unwed Parents: Some Alimony Issues in 1960s Yugoslavia

The Yugoslav state’s legislative actions throughout the early stages of socialism acknowledged parents’ equality in terms of rights and responsibility to children. This is argued throughout the article by presenting laws that explicitly control parent-child relationships, the status of children from divorced marriages and children born out of wedlock, and difficulties surrounding their maintenance. The paper covers the issues surrounding the legal right to alimony for children of divorced parents and children born out of wedlock in different regions of Yugoslavia across the 1960s.

경계 미획정 해역의 효율적인 경비활동을 통한 해양권익 확보 방안에 대한 고찰

In order to gain an advantage in future maritime boundary demarcation, China and Japan are state-led to expand security activities to coastal countries and undefined waters, thus strengthening equipment, manpower, and administrative power, and legislative activities. Expecially, the prominent activity of maritime science investigations, and it is particularly being implemented by the Maritime Police and the Maritime Security Administration, not military forces. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the meaning of legal maritime science investigations in order to secure maritime rights, and to examine the reasons for strengthening these activities using maritime police forces, as well as the strengthening of each country's power and administrative power, and legislative trends to provide a basis for these activities. Based on this, I would like to suggest short- and long-term measures to prepare for securing maritime rights.

Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants: Investigating their Potential to Alter Human Metabolic and Endocrine Systems

Micro plastics (MPs), which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have drawn a lot of attention as new environmental pollutants. They are widely found in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats, and they are increasingly found in human food, water, and air. These particles have the potential to seriously harm human health, with the metabolic and endocrine systems being of particular concern. The mechanisms by which micro plastics reach the human body, their impact on metabolic regulation, and their potential to cause endocrine system disruption through chemical exposure are all examined in this research. The analysis also addresses possible long-term health effects, highlighting the pressing need for additional study and legislative actions to lessen these effects.

Observed Heamatological and Neurohistochemical Alterations in Hippocampal formation Of Adult Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) following Sub-acute Monosodium Glutamate Exposure

Introduction: Exposure to harmful substances either by biological, chemical or physical agents which can result to changes with memory cognition underlines neurotoxicity. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a combination of sodium and glutamic acid primarily used as a flavoring enhancer in food processing. The hippocampus is a part of the limbic system that helps in both spatial memory and the consolidation of information from short-term to long-term memory. Aim: To assess the Heamatological and Neurohistochemical effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Hippocampus of adult wistar rats. Methods: Thirty (30) adult wistar rats weighing 200±50g were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n=10). The control group received distilled water, T1 group received 2g/kg bd.wt of MSG and T2 group received 2g/kg bd.wt of MSG. All the rats were exposed for a duration of 4 weeks except T2 group that were allowed a 2-week withdrawal period. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation followed by hippocampal specimen’s excision which were processed for routine histological staining techniques, Heamatological studies and biochemical quantifications. All data obtained were statistically analyzed using GraphPad prism version 5. Results: The Body weight (P value=0.4478), Brain weight(P value< 0.0001), Organ weight (P value < 0.0001), LDH (P value < 0.0001), SOD (P value < 0.0001), CAT (P value < 0.0001), PCV (P value=0.0080), Hb (P value=0.0537) and RBC (P value=0.0005) showed significant decrease at T1 groups and significant increase at T2 groups while the WBC (P value < 0.0001) shows a significant increase at T1 and a significant decrease at T2 when compared to the control groups. The histological findings showed the alterations in the hippocampal architecture of the T1 group and slight regeneration of hippocampal tissues in T2 group when compared to the control group. Conclusion: These findings add to a thorough comprehension of the neurobiological impacts of MSG and highlight the need for dietary guidelines and legislative actions to protect brain function.

AN ANALYSIS ON ONLINE CRIMINAL CASE HEARINGS: CAN JUSTICE BE SERVED ONLINE?

This paper examines the accountability of online criminal case adjudication in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although normal court trials have resumed, the judiciary must prepare for the integration of online trials to improve efficiency and case management. This empirical study employs qualitative methods, collecting data through interviews with judges, prosecutors, and written interviews with lawyers, along with questionnaires. Conducted in three district courts in Central Java, it also incorporates secondary data from legal statutes and literature. Most judges, prosecutors, and attorneys found online trials accountable, with outcomes comparable to in-person hearings. However, challenges persist, such as administrative gaps, and technical disruptions. The study urges legislative action to establish procedural norms for online trials and recommends improving court decisions' quality and quantity to ensure justice.

EXCEPTION FROM THE SUBSIDIARITY OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMPLAINT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Subsidiarity is one of the essential features of the constitutional complaint as an extraordinary legal remedy for the protection of human rights. The subject matter of this paper is the exception from the subsidiarity of the constitutional complaint in the Republic of Serbia. According to the hitherto constitutional practice, this exception has been established twice, both times by a piece of ordinary legislation. In 2007, it was set in favor of the right to a trial within a reasonable time, in general terms. In 2023, it was established in favor of the same right but in narrower terms. Although such legislative action may be justified from the perspective of constant adjustment of the national human rights’ protection system to the international one, it is not acceptable from the constitutional point of view. In other words, the current constitutional framework is not flexible enough to justify the exception from the subsidiarity of the constitutional complaint by a piece of ordinary legislation, regardless of how appropriate the establishment of this exception may be as a systemic measure in the context of implementation of the ECtHR judgments.

LEGAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COOPERATIVES IN TURKISH LAW

In the realm of Turkish Law, the legislative framework governing cooperatives is bifurcated into two principal statutes: the Second Chapter (Book) of the Turkish Code of Commerce, which envisages general provisions pertaining to commercial companies, and the Cooperatives Code as a subject-specific legislative act. The incorporation of particular provisions concerning cooperatives within the Cooperatives Code has engendered a nuanced discourse regarding their legal persona. Central to this discourse is the determination of whether cooperatives are to be classified amongst commercial companies, thereby rendering them merchants, or whether they diverge from traditional commercial corporations due to their distinctive relationship with associations and foundations, thus generating debates and judicial deliberations on whether cooperatives ought to be categorized as a unique form of enterprise, divergent from conventional corporate structures. This academic interest and debate are not merely theoretical but have found expression in judicial pronouncements as well. A critical point of distinction for cooperatives, setting them apart from other commercial companies, is the foundational objective they profess. Unlike the quintessential commercial aim of profit maximization and distribution among constituents, cooperatives are predicated upon the attainment of legal benefits under more favourable conditions, facilitated through a framework of mutual aid and solidarity. This salient feature raises pertinent questions about the intrinsic nature of cooperatives and calls for a re-evaluation of their place within the matrix of commercial law.

Útban a változás felé? A bírósági gyakorlat által el nem ismert ügyvédi munkadíj

Nowadays, it is generally accepted that the lawyers are an essential part of the judicial system, despite the absence of any reference to this in the constitution or other normative provisions. In a market economy, there is no question that a lawyer is remunerated for the work he performs, and that the lawyer receives this remuneration in the form of fees or reimbursement of expenses from the client who has concluded a contract of engagement with him. In the case of litigation, however, the costs incurred by the lawyer's client may be passed on to the opposing party, since, as a rule, the costs of the successful party, including the lawyer's fees, are to be paid by the unsuccessful party. This paper examines the basic legal provisions that ensure the enforcement of attorney's fees in civil court proceedings, and then presents a number of striking cases that demonstrate that the attorney's representation of his client in civil proceedings is either not compensated at all or only partially compensated in a manner recognised by the court, in the form of a formal injunction binding the opposing party. In the present paper the adequate issues related to the provision of legal representation in civil litigation are presented, on the one hand, from the procedural law and litigation efficiency aspects, on the other hand, from the contractual freedom and thirdly, from the constitutional law aspects, focusing on the judicial practice. The study describes the change in judicial practice in the spring of 2024. The author seeks an answer to the question whether the principles established by the court practice were due to a legal error, and therefore whether legislative action to eliminate the discrepancies was justified, or whether it was simply a case of an erroneous interpretation of the law by the courts before the spring of 2024, which justified only a change of approach in the court practice within the framework of the existing legal regulation, and therefore no further legislative intervention is necessary.

All Talk, No Action? Politicians’ Agenda Responsiveness to Citizens’ Engagement on Social Media

Studies have shown that citizens’ engagement on social media drives politicians to adapt the issues they discuss online. However, for representative democracy to function effectively, politicians must not only discuss these issues but also act on them. This paper explores whether higher citizens’ engagement on social media shapes the issues politicians address online and leads to substantive agenda responsiveness, such as proposing legislation or raising issues in parliament. To do this, we examined over 370,000 Facebook posts by more than 350 politicians in Australia, Belgium, and the United States. Our results indicate that higher citizens’ engagement on politicians’ own social media regarding an issue increases the likelihood of politicians promoting concrete legislative or parliamentary actions related to that issue, regardless of the issue’s salience. These findings highlight social media’s role in informing and motivating politicians’ agenda responsiveness, with important implications for the current state of representative democracy.