In 2010, the FBI recorded 3,135 racially motivated criminal incidents in the United States, more than the combined number of hate crimes related to religion (1,322) and sexual orientation (1,277).
The U.S. government regulates many sectors of the economy and American life, from health and the environment to energy and food, and most rules come with tradeoffs. For example, regulations that ensure food safety or clean air — which may prevent future health or other costs — may also raise compliance costs for businesses. As the administrative state and the number of regulations have grown, the proper scope of regulation has been a topic of continuous, and often contentious, debate.
The size and rate of malpractice suits against United States physicians has long been the subject of controversy; the issue has played a strong role in the political debates over health care reform and the continuing rise of insurance costs.
Noneconomic damages are losses sought in malpractice suits for pain and suffering, distress, reduced enjoyment of life and other consequences. Some policy makers and organizations argue that there should be a limit on the amount individuals can be paid for such damages because it is difficult for juries to accurately evaluate claims. In addition, some research has indicated that capping noneconomic damages can increase the number of physicians and thus improve access to health care.
One of the core ideas of American government is that coequal, separate branches serve to balance out one another, reducing the abuse of power and the potential for corruption. Though this theory can seem self-evidently valid, little research has been conducted on how the separation of powers may be stronger or weaker in particular cases.
It has always been risky for journalists to offend the powerful, rich and litigious. But until the digital age, American newspapers generally held their own: They rigorously checked facts and employed legal muscle to beat back bullies.
