News Mash-up: Court Cases

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Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. sufficiently / səˈfɪʃ ənt li / (adv.) – as much as is needed for a particular purpose
    Example:

    The research paper was able to sufficiently explain the needs of the farmers in the province, so it was used as a basis for new agricultural programs and laws.


  2. well-being / ˈwɛlˈbi ɪŋ / (n.) – the condition of being happy and healthy
    Example:

    The company created a health and wellness program to ensure the employees’ well-being.


  3. carry out / ˈkær i aʊt / (phrasal v.) – to do or complete a given task or instruction
    Example:

    The nurses immediately carried out the doctor’s orders for the patient.


  4. inhumane / ɪn hyuˈmeɪn / (adj.) – not kind or gentle to people or animals
    Example:

    He was arrested for his inhumane treatment of the animals on his farm.


  5. objection / əbˈdʒɛk ʃən / (n.) – a statement expressing that one disagrees or opposes something
    Example:

    After objections from several people and organizations, the president decided to review and revise the new policies.


Article

Read the text below.

California high court won’t hear appeal in custody battle between Pitt and Jolie


The California Supreme Court on Oct. 27 refused to consider Brad Pitt’s appeal of a court ruling that disqualified the judge in his custody battle with Angelina Jolie.


The court denied a review of a June appeals court decision that said the private judge hearing the case should be disqualified for failing to sufficiently disclose his business relationships with Pitt’s attorneys.


The state Supreme Court’s decision finalizes that ruling. It means the fight over the couple’s five minor children — which was nearing an end — could just be getting started. “Ms. Jolie is focused on her family and pleased that her children’s well-being will not be guided by unethical behavior,” her attorney said in an email. (AP)


Death row inmates sue over notification policy


Two death row inmates in Japan are suing the country over how prisoners are notified only hours before the death penalty is carried out, demanding change and seeking compensation for the impact of the “inhumane” practice.


In what is believed to be a first, two prisoners sentenced to death filed a suit in a district court in Osaka on Nov. 4, saying the practice was illegal because it did not allow prisoners time to file an objection, demanding the practice be changed and asking for ¥22 million in compensation. (Reuters)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • After Jolie and Pitt’s divorce, they’ve been fighting over their children’s custody. How do you think this conflict could affect their children? Why? What do you think they should do to lessen the impact of the situation on their children? Discuss.
  • Should Jolie and Pitt let their children decide with whom they’d like to live? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Two death row inmates in Japan are suing the country over how prisoners are notified only hours before the death penalty is carried out. Do you think this practice should change? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Do you think the death penalty should be temporarily suspended for other inmates on death row while this case is ongoing? Why or why not? Discuss.