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Not a Blueprint: Reflections on the Cardiff Environmental Law and Policy Clinic
Full text linkThis article addresses the evolution of environmental clinical legal education at the School of Law and Politics at Cardiff University, with particular reference to the shift in its clinical focus from ‘law’ to ‘policy’. Law and policy are of course deeply intertwined, and the shift under consideration is to be understood neither as abrupt nor comprehensive. It is one of emphasis, which in turn is a reflection of the richness and complexity of the discipline of law within which clinical legal education, like all legal education, operates. The article examines the nature of, and factors shaping, the shift in Clinic emphasis towards law and policy. It addresses some of the practical implications of this for a host of clinical considerations (including resourcing, training and expertise, relationships with clients and management of outputs and impacts in the real world). It is hoped that this case study will feed into a wider literature around environmental clinical legal education, and the policy dimension in particular.
The Cardiff Clinic is housed in a multi-disciplinary School of Law and Politics, which contains a wider clinical provision beyond the ‘Environment’, including a world-leading Innocence Project. This is the broader institutional context within which the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic is situated, and it is with this that our analysis begins in Section 1. We highlight what we call the ‘strategic accident’ and ‘accidental design’ underpinning the School’s clinical provision, as a core dynamic which is carried through in the analysis of the environment-focused Clinic. Section 2 elaborates on the substantive environmental law and policy context within Wales and the UK as a whole, and how this has shaped the increasingly policy-oriented nature of work of the Clinic. Section 3 critically reflects on the Cardiff experience, drawing in part on feedback the authors have obtained from student participants, as well as the authors’ own perspectives, to evaluate the developments under scrutiny
Gender Based Violence: Reflections on the World Envisaged in “After Dark” by Jayne Cowie: Using Literature to Critically Explore Current Legal Responses to GBV in the Home and in Public
Full text linkThis special issue of The International Journal of Gender, Sexuality and Law, edited by Claire Bessant and Kayliegh Richardson, brings together academic voices from across law and criminology in discussion of the issue of gender-based violence (GBV). Many of the ideas included in this special issue were presented previously at a 2022 conference funded by the Society of Legal Scholars, titled ‘Gender Based Violence: Reflections on the world envisaged in “After Dark” by Jayne Cowie’. That conference sought to use the book ‘After Dark’ as a focal point for a multi-disciplinary discussion about how society and the law should respond to tragedies such as the deaths of Sarah Everard and Ashling Murphy but also to the issue of violence against women. Building on the academic discussion that took place at that conference, this special edition firstly considers some of the legal interventions discussed in After Dark and their potential application within the real world. The second part of the special edition, then considers the potential benefits of using literature and other fictional works to stimulate discussion around legal issues
Against a Dark Background: The Prevention of Femicide Act 2023 and the Problem of Legislating for Control
Full text linkThe plot device at the heart of Jayne Cowie’s 2022 novel After Dark is the Prevention of Femicide Act 2023, a (fictitious) piece of legislation enacted by Parliament in response to high-profile cases of gender-based violence, and implemented to prevent future occurrences of such crimes. The events of the novel demonstrate that this legislation proves to be flawed in several respects, not least in its failure to prevent the very crime that it was enacted to stop. In this article, I will look at the flaws evident in the legislation as depicted in the novel, and in doing so demonstrate the difficulties inherent in drafting legislation that aims to uphold the rights of one group while at the same time depriving a different group of their rights. I will highlight the formidable obstacles faced by real-world lawmakers in drafting legislation aimed at bringing about radical social change in the face of public hostility to that very change, and will ask whether it is the proper place of the legislature to attempt to effect such changes, or whether society itself ought rightly to be the vehicle for the radical change of mindset necessary to prevent crimes perpetrated by one group in society against another
B03 An investigation into the effects of cryo-compression versus TECAR therapy on symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage
No full textExercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results from unaccustomed exercise in which the observed effects are reported to last up to 96h (Peake et al., 2017, J Appl Physiol, 122). The use of both cryotherapy and thermal interventions have been explored for reducing the symptoms of EIMD however their effectiveness has been debated with conflicting views on the efficacy of both interventions. This study aimed to directly contrast the effectiveness of cryotherapy and thermal applications on symptoms of EIMD. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Northampton Sport and Exercise Ethics Committee. Twenty-eight (N=28, 10 female) moderately active participants (120-180 min a week; age 19.9 ±1.38 years, stature 174.8 ± 8.9 cm, mass 73.8 ± 15.5 kg) participated in an independent-subject design trial. At 0 h participants performed baseline tests (VAS, MVIC, CMJ and MTC) and then a fatigue protocol (20 × 5 box drop-jumps at 60 cm). Measures of EIMD were assessed over 96 h before random allocation to 15-min of TECAR (0 h= 10%, 24 h= 20%, 48 h= 30%, 72 h= 40%), Game-Ready (1˚C with an average pressure of 50 mmhg over 180 s) or control groups (seated rest). A two-way mixed model ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc pairwise comparison analyses were conducted. A Friedmans ANOVA was conducted for combined VAS data with a post-hoc Wilcoxon test. Within-group analysis revealed significant differences in MVIC (P = 0.001, n2 = 0.573) with interaction effect by condition (P = 0.021, n2 = 0.161). Pairwise comparisons revealed effects following TECAR at 0-24 h, P=0.009 (−10.2%), 0-48 h, P=0.033 (−9.5%), Game-Ready at 0-24 h, P = 0.001 (−15.0%), 0-48 h, P = 0.001 (−16.5%), 0-72 h, P = 0.001 (−12.3%) and control at 0-24 h, P = 0.001 (−12.8%), 0-48 h, P=0.008 (-10.8%). No significant differences were found at baseline between VAS scores (P=0.154), but significant differences were found at all other time points for all conditions (P < 0.05). TECAR resulted in the least performance decrements but experienced the greatest pain, compared to the Game-Ready, which resulted in the greatest performance loss but experienced the least pain. Neither TECAR nor Game-Ready appear advantageous over each other in attenuating symptoms of EIMD
H03 Effect of high intensity, intermittent exercise on EyeGuide Focus smooth pursuit assessments in amateur female rugby union athletes
No full textOcular assessment tools provide insights into neurological functioning when diagnosing sport-related concussions (SRCs). Emerging technologies such as EyeGuide Focus have attempted to improve on pre-existing clinical tools however the reliability of the tool is currently uncertain and it is unclear if physical exertion may affect the validity of the device as seen with similar ocular assessments. The aim of this study was to determine if EyeGuide Focus accuracy is affected by high-intensity, intermittent exercise. Seven amateur female rugby union athletes were recruited (Mean age [± SD] = 23 ± 5 years; stature = 172 ± 4 cm, mass = 87 ± 20 kg). Athletes completed baseline testing on the unit which included two to four familiarisation trials and three official tests on the unit measured in arbitrary units (AUs). Testing was completed in a dark room free from distraction, and participants wore noise-cancelling headphones (BOSE QC45) during assessment. The athlete then performed a brief warmup before beginning the exercise protocol by Whyte et al. (2022, Phys Therapy Sport, 58, 126-133) which involves repeated circuits of acceleration, deceleration, backpedalling, change of direction, jumping, and side shuffling. This protocol has previously displayed significant effects on Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening testing. Athletes repeated circuits until they reported 17-18/20 on the Borg Scale with 30s between each circuit. Athletes then completed three more trials at five- and 10-mins post-exercise cessation. Data were exported to Microsoft Excel and Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for analysis. Athletes completed an average of 03:15 ± 23 s total work in circuits. Significant differences existed between athlete’s heart rate at rest and post-warmup, post individual circuits, and five mins post-test (P < 0.05) but not 10 mins post-test (P > 0.05). Mean EyeGuide Focus scores were 23443.29 ± 8082.18, 35684.04 ± 13279.40, and 22927.64 ± 6377.61 AUs at baseline, 5 mins post-test, and 10 mins post-test respectively. Scores were significantly different between baseline and 5 mins post-test (P < 0.001), and between 5- and 10-mins post-test (P < 0.001), but not baseline and 10 mins post-test (P > 0.848). Three mins of high-intensity, intermittent exercise was sufficient to induce significant changes in amateur female athletes’ EyeGuide Focus scores, returning to baseline after 10 mins of rest. The findings indicate that physical activity can impact on EyeGuide Focus scores and thus sufficient rest is required when assessing athletes for SRCs. Future research should investigate if sport-related contact or collisions also impact scoring on this device
J13 Does caffeine improve team-based morning performances more than habituation?
No full textRepeated sprint performance (≤6 s) has a 3-10% diurnal variation of an evening compared to a morning (17:00-19:00 vs. 06:00-10:00 h; Pullinger et al., 2019). Research distinguishing the effect of habit in comparison to other stimuli on morning performance is unestablished. Therefore, the present study investigates whether caffeine can improve team-based morning performance of 20 m repeated sprints, more than habituation. Eight team-based participants (age: 21 ± 1 years, body mass: 83 ± 9 kg, stature: 181 ± 5 cm) participated in this study. The participants retired at 22:30 h and raised at 06:30 h to be in the laboratory for 07:00 h throughout the study period. The participants completed with two familiarisations and were randomly allocated to two experimental conditions either 1) having taken caffeine on waking (300 mg at 06:30 h), then enter the laboratory at 07:00 h or, 2) The participant rose and retire as above but enter the laboratory at 07:00 h to sit on a cycle ergometer (60 mins) prior to the day of testing. They return the following day at 07:00 h. On entering the laboratory participants were seated, completed sleep questionnaires and mood was assessed using Perceived Onset Mood State (POMS) questionnaire. After 30-min Intra-aural temperature and fingertip blood glucose and lactate measured (as well as post warm-up and immediately after the RSP test). Thereafter, right- and left-hand grip strength (the best of 3 were recorded) and maximal repeated sprint performance measures were taken (RSP, 10 x 20m, 30s recovery period). Heart rate (HR), thermal comfort (TC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were all recorded after each sprint. Data were analysed using a general-linear model
D03 The effect of exercise on gastrointestinal symptoms and body composition at different phases of the menstrual cycle
No full textWomen commonly experience bloating, stomach cramps, water retention, and weight gain at the beginning of their menstrual cycle, which cause fluctuations in body composition through extracellular changes, this may affect osmotic pressure, leading to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle phase on extracellular changes and GI symptoms in females in response to exercise. Seven healthy premenopausal female recreational athletes (maximal O2 consumption: 50 ± 5.8 ml·kg-1) performed two running trials in an experimental crossover design during two distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, early follicular phase (EFP) and the mid-luteal phase (MLP). Each trial consisted of 120 min of running, 60 min at 110% lactate threshold and 60 min at 90%. Determination of cycle was calculated from calendar-based counting and urinary ovulation detection kits. The EFP was determined by self-reporting onset of menses. The day before each trial, participants followed a low FODMAP diet and completed a gastrointestinal symptom rating scale questionnaire. On the morning of the trial, a standard breakfast was consumed, upon arrival at the laboratory, body composition was recorded. Each hour, finger prick samples were taken to measure lactate and ensure performance did not exceed maximum, every 15 minutes, a visual analog scale (VAS) of subjective ratings between 0-10 cm of gut comfort was taken. Data was analysed using mean and standard deviation (subsequent statistical analysis will be conducted if an n = 10 is reached prior to the conference). During exercise, participants experienced a higher prevalence of GI issues throughout the EFP compared with the MLP. The most common complaints reported from the VAS were nausea; EFP 1 ± 1 cm, MLP 0 ± 0 cm. Flatulence; EFP 4 ± 3 cm, MLP 1 ± 1 cm, and stomach cramps; EFP 3 ± 2 cm, MLP 1 ± 1 cm. Total body weight (TBW) differences were noted between the EFP and MLP. TBW EFP pre-exercise was higher than MLP pre-exercise phase EFP pre-exercise: 38.7 ± 2.8 L compared to MLP pre-exercise at 35.8 ±5.5 L. Similar differences were demonstrated with extra cellular water pre-exercise EFP; 16.1 ± 1.1 L MLP; 15.2 ±1.0 L. During the EFP fluid retention is known to be higher than the MLP, and results are as expected. While the data suggests a seemingly minimal variation in Gl symptoms, individually, there appears to be a higher level of difference. More gastrointestinal symptoms were reported during exercise, which is consistent with the findings. There is a slight difference in GI symptoms between the EFP and MLP at this stage, indicating a slight shift in total body water
J24 The integration of first-year women XV rugby scholars and the socialisation tactics used
No full textCohesion is an important element of team environments, as it provides the bedrock for trust and communication among team members to be established. This allows for a platform to be created where conflicts can be addressed, strategies are shared and collaboration is enhanced, ultimately leading to improved team performance. Research indicates that when a team allows time for the socialisation of newcomers, performance is directly facilitated (Schuth et al, 2023, J App Psych, 108, 1046–1059). Furthermore, transitioning into a university environment is a crucial phase in an individual’s life, which poses many challenges. Therefore, having support from teammates and a sense of community may ease this period of adjustment. There is a dearth of research that investigates the integration of new teams and the consequences or enhancements of the different tactics. The main purpose of this study was to assess the integration of first-year university rugby scholars into an existing team environment using the Sports Team Socialization Tactics Questionnaire (STSTQ; Benson & Eys, 2017, J Sport Ex Psych, 39, 13–28.) It was hypothesised that there would not be a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the perceived level of socialisation between the first-year rugby scholars and the other rugby scholars. Twenty female participants were recruited from the Brunel University London women’s rugby union 1XV team, using a convenience sampling method. With institutional ethics approval, the participants completed the STSTQ and demographics form. They were split into two groups; first-year rugby scholars and other rugby scholars. The participants completed the STSTQ. This measure evaluates three dimensions on a 9-point Likert scale: the serial tactics subscale (α = .85), the social inclusionary tactics subscale (α = .74), the coach-initiated role communication tactics subscale (α = .87). The multivariate tests revealed no effect of scholar status on the combined socialization tactics (F = 0.75, P = 0.539). The Univariate tests showed no differences for coach tactics (F = 1.67, p = 0.212, serial tactics (F = 0.03, P = 0.873), or social inclusionary tactics (F = 0.25, P = 0.625). In conclusion, there were no differences between the new and existing players' ratings of the effectiveness of the socialization tactics used. For practitioners and coaches, the results provide insights into players' perceptions of integration tactics that could inform adjustments for future seasons, especially as this top team aims for promotion where cohesion is critical. A limitation was collecting data mid-season after a break from games, rather than across multiple time points. Furthermore, additional testing is still needed to understand the specific processes that enabled this cohesive team environment despite integrating many new players
Clinical Legal Education and Social Justice: Assessing the Impact on Law Students in a Law Clinic in Nigeria
Full text linkOne of the core missions of clinical legal education is to expose students to the legal needs of society while enhancing access to justice for indigent members of the community. This, the University of Ibadan Women’s Law Clinic (UI-WLC) does by offering pro bono legal aid to indigent women in the community who lack access to justice. In the process, law students are engaged in clinic experiences involving interaction with real clients and conduct of outreach programs for different target audiences within the community. Through these experiences, it is expected that professionalism, empathy, equality and and a sense of fairness is inculcated in the students. Students trained with these values ideally have a strong sense of what is just and fair, and are able to choose careers and lifestyles that support their immediate communities. Since its establishment, the UI-WLC has groomed over 960 law students; and currently has about 120 students spread over third, fourth and fifth year students, however, an assessment of the impact of social justice values which the clinic seeks to impart to the students through the training they receive at the clinic has not been carried out. This research seeks to achieve this aim through a mixed methods approach. Using a quota sampling method, 90 law graduates were identified and interviewed through self- administered pre-tested questionnaires and in-depth interview guides. Two sessions of focus group discussions were also conducted. Findings in this study revealed how participation in the UI-WLC through various activities and programs has had both positive and negative outcomes for the students. It also showed an aspect of group dynamics which has to be improved upon at the UI-WLC to better equip students to impact the society