From Truth to Justice: How Does Amnesty Factor In? A Comparative Analysis of South Africa and Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) have emerged in the last few decades as a mechanism for a state to overcome widespread, grave, human rights violations. There are numerous approaches to a TRC all with an ultimate goal: that formerly warring factions, perpetrators, witnesses, and victims can move forward as a united people. I propose that the provision of amnesty is critical to the success of a TRC. I hypothesize that the form of amnesty chosen (i.e. blanket v. conditional amnesty) determines the revelation of truth and realization of justice, which in turn dictates whether a TRC can achieve reconciliation. To test this hypothesis, I use two case studies: South Africa, which has utilized conditional amnesty, and Sierra Leone which has employed blanket amnesty. I create a model for measuring reconciliation. I can then look at the implications of both types of amnesty and assess which, in the end, is more effective. My overarching conclusion is that the provision of conditional amnesty is more effective than blanket amnesty in achieving reconciliation. Ultimately, I hope that this conclusion can be generalized to other TRCs.

Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Show Unique Distribution and Localization in the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus of the Rhesus Monkey

The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) receives auditory information via the auditory nerve coming from the cochlea. It is responsible for much of the integration of auditory information, and it projects this auditory information to higher auditory brain centers for further processing. This study focuses on the DCN of adult Rhesus monkeys to characterize two specific cell types, the fusiform and cartwheel cell, based on morphometric parameters and type of glutamate receptor they express. The fusiform cell is the main projection neuron, while the cartwheel cell is the main inhibitory interneuron. Expression of AMPA glutamate receptor subunits is localized to certain cell types. The activity of the CN depends on the AMPA receptor subunit composition and expression. Immunocytochemistry, using specific antibodies for AMPA glutamate receptor subunits GluR1, GluR2/3 and GluR4, was used in conjunction with morphometry to determine the location, morphological characteristics and expression of AMPA receptor subunits in fusiform and cartwheel cells in the primate DCN. Qualitative as well as quantitative data indicates that there are important morphological differences in cell location and expression of AMPA glutamate receptor subunits between the rodent DCN and that of primates. GluR2/3 is widely expressed in the primate DCN. GluR1 is also widely expressed in the primate DCN. GluR4 is diffusely expressed. Expression of GluR2/3 and GluR4 in the primate is similar to that of the rodent. However, expression of GluR1 is different. GluR1 is only expressed by cartwheel cells in the rodent DCN, but is expressed by a variety of cells, including fusiform cells, in the DCN of the primate.

Patient Safety Alert : A new way to share patient safety information among departments and units

Communication : If there is one topic that comes up over and over again as we discuss ways to make John Dempsey Hospital the safest hospital, it is “communication.” In fact, several of the 2006 and 2007 National Patient Safety Goals are centered around improving the effectiveness of communication among caregivers. There are many ways of doing this, and we have implemented several already. These include handoffs, medication reconciliation, “SBAR,” etc. On page two, we will talk in more detail about hand-offs and the use of “SBAR.”