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Article
Social Sciences
Law

Francesco Alessi Longa

Abstract: Contemporary digital media ecosystems challenge the presumption of innocence—a cornerstone of fair trial rights enshrined in ICCPR Article 14(2) and ECHR Article 6(2)—through rapid dissemination of sensationalized pretrial information that biases public and judicial perceptions. This article examines how social media amplifies "trial by media" effects, analyzing empirical evidence from high-profile cases like Chauvin and Anthony, alongside ECHR jurisprudence such as Salabiaku v. France (1988), to identify regulatory shortcomings in juror exposure mitigation and cross-border content control.​Employing a doctrinal and comparative legal methodology, it evaluates sub judice rules, contempt powers, and emerging digital protocols, revealing their limited efficacy against algorithmic amplification and user-generated prejudice. Key findings highlight the need for recalibrated balances between expression freedoms and procedural safeguards, particularly for marginalized defendants facing stereotyping.​The study proposes actionable reforms: mandatory digital literacy for jurors, harmonized international takedown mechanisms, and enhanced media ethics training. These measures aim to preserve judicial impartiality amid informational ubiquity, offering a framework for policymakers and courts in the digital era.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Zubaida Abdalhadi Ahmed

Abstract: The Saudi sector has witnessed a significant digital transformation within the framework of Vision 2030, through the expansion of innovation in artificial intelligence and financial technology (FinTech). Despite the considerable benefits of these developments, they also present challenges, including the need for transparency and accountability This necessitates that the Saudi Central Bank establish clear regulations to ensure the protection of customer rights. This research aims to analyze the legal requirements for using artificial intelligence technologies in Saudi financial institutions and assess the extent to which the current legal framework aligns with relevant international standards and instruments, The study adopted a descriptive, analytical, and comparative approach, through analyzing relevant Saudi legislation and comparing it with international principles. The findings revealed the existence of a charter regulating the ethics of using artificial intelligence in financial institutions, under the supervision of the General Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and the Saudi Central Bank, but the regulation still needs development. The study recommends the need to establish a unified legal framework to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector that is consistent with international standards and promotes trust, transparency and data protection.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

Abstract: This study examines the legal frameworks, enforcement challenges, and economic implications of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—using a normative juridical approach and qualitative analysis. The findings reveal significant disparities in the governance of IPR among these nations, with China and India leading in innovation and enforcement reforms, while Brazil, Russia, and South Africa face persistent challenges related to institutional capacity and judicial delays. Despite aligning with international standards such as TRIPS, enforcement gaps and socio-economic priorities influence the effectiveness of IPR systems. The research highlights the dual economic impact of IPR: fostering innovation and investment while raising concerns over access to essential goods. It underscores the need for harmonized frameworks, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and a balanced approach to innovation and equity in BRICS countries.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

,

Vaishali Verma

Abstract: This paper examines the complex intersection between unfair trade practices and intellectual property rights (IPR), where the fundamental goals of promoting innovation and ensuring fair competition often create tension. The study analyzes how IPR systems, while designed to protect innovations and foster economic growth, can sometimes facilitate anti-competitive behaviors that necessitate intervention through competition law and unfair trade practice regulations. The research explores multiple dimensions of this intersection, including the pro-competitive features of IPRs, antitrust influences, and enforcement mechanisms across various jurisdictions, with particular emphasis on the European Union, United States, and India. The paper examines sector-specific applications across copyrights, patents, industrial designs, trade secrets, geographical indications, traditional knowledge, and technology transfer agreements. Key findings reveal that while international frameworks like TRIPS, Paris Convention, and Berne Convention provide foundational protection, significant challenges persist in harmonization, enforcement, and addressing power imbalances between developed and developing nations. The study highlights emerging issues such as digital piracy, patent trolling, forced technology transfer, and the protection of traditional knowledge from biopiracy. The analysis demonstrates that effective regulation requires a nuanced approach that balances IPR protection with competition law principles, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation of legal frameworks to address evolving market dynamics and technological advancements.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

,

Jyoti Yadav

,

Saurabh Sharma

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of green intellectual property rights (IPR), focusing on their role in fostering environmental sustainability and innovation in India. It explores the nuances of greenwashing, the exploitation of IP rights, and the differences between green and traditional patents and trademarks. The study examines regulatory mechanisms, policy implications, and the importance of international conventions in the global protection of green IPR. Additionally, the paper discusses the impact of Indian green IPR laws on the commercialization of eco-friendly technologies, challenges of technology transfer, and the diffusion of green innovations. The research outlines the significance of integrating environmental criteria into patent systems, the regulation of green trade secrets, and the distinction between eco-labels and eco-product trademarks under Indian law. Through critical analysis, the paper highlights the need for robust legal frameworks, coordinated policy actions, consumer education, and enhanced international cooperation to effectively promote sustainable development and address climate change through green IPR.
Review
Social Sciences
Law

Christina Eckes

Abstract: Several European courts have vested mitigation obligations with a hierarchically higher legal rank than ordinary state action. They construe these obligations from human rights in combination with international commitments and climate science. This phenomenon is here called ‘climate constitutionalisation’. In addition, we see an increasing escalation of climate cases to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and we now have the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Climate constitutionalisation in Europe is an incremental process of replication and reiteration. This can only be understood by studying the developing body of national case law in the context European and international law. Studying general emission reduction cases against states in Europe, this paper traces how non-enforceable legal norms, political commitments, and climate science are used to interpret binding and enforceable human rights norms. It reflects on the present and future consequences of the ECtHR’s decision in KlimaSeniorinnen and ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on climate obligations. The paper argues that Europe’s multilayered legal and judicial landscape strengthens climate constitutionalisation and herewith deepens the fault line between the judiciary and the elected institutions. Europe’s openness towards international law facilitates this process. It then offers tentative normative justifications for this process.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Cyntoria Johnson

,

Natasha N. Johnson

,

Luis C. Montalvo Vidal

Abstract: This study presents a qualitative case analysis of a cross-national Virtual Exchange (VE) classroom that connects undergraduate students in the Southeastern United States and Colombia through a course titled "Rap on Trial." Designed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the course investigates the practice of using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials—a legal strategy that disproportionately affects young men of color and reinforces racialized patterns of incarceration. Through a digital pedagogical model grounded in intercultural dialogue and collaborative learning, students engaged with the global dimensions of hip-hop, social justice, and systemic inequality while developing transferable skills in language proficiency, critical thinking, and digital literacy. Drawing from student reflections and instructor observations, this paper identifies key successes and barriers in implementing VE in the social sciences, offering recommendations for designing high-impact, equity-driven virtual learning experiences. The findings underscore the transformative potential of VE classrooms in cultivating global competencies and fostering meaningful relationships across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

,

Jyoti Yadav

Abstract: Green Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are pivotal in promoting sustainable development by incentivizing innovation in environmentally friendly technologies, facilitating technology transfer, and reducing carbon emissions. This paper explores the multifaceted role of green IPR in fostering a transition from a brown to a green economy, emphasizing its impact on renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind, and its integration with global sustainability goals through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Drawing on empirical evidence and case studies, the study highlights how green IPR encourages research and development (R&D), enhances economic and environmental sustainability, and supports technology dissemination, particularly in developing nations. However, challenges such as monopolistic control, regional disparities, and accessibility issues persist, necessitating flexible IPR frameworks, international cooperation, and innovative financing mechanisms. The paper proposes policy recommendations to strengthen global IPR systems, promote collaborative innovation, and balance protection with equitable access to green technologies, ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Joshua Ward

Abstract: This article examines the increasingly prevalent threat posed by non-consensual intimate deepfakes (NCIDs), AI-generated sexually explicit content which resembles a real person, and critiques the current legislative framework in the UK, which fails to criminalise the creation of NCIDs. While the Online Safety Act (OSA) 2023 criminalises the distribution of NCIDs, the simple act of creating NCIDs for sexual gratification or future criminal activity remains lawful. Utilising interdisciplinary research, victim testimony, and a comparative analysis with similar legislation within the European Union (EU), this article submits that the current legislation in the UK fails to protect victim-survivors and overlooks the serious harms caused by the creation of NCIDs. Instead, we propose a strict liability model that focuses on a lack of consent rather than a defendant’s mens rea, aligning NCID offending with the broader context of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA). This article concludes that legislative reform is needed immediately to criminalise the creation of NCIDs, close legal loopholes and, most importantly, protect the dignity, privacy and sexual autonomy of victim-survivors.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Mojtaba Ghorbani Asiabar

,

Morteza Ghorbani Asiabar

,

Alireza Ghorbani Asiabar

Abstract: The rapid advancement of genetic editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, has introduced unprecedented opportunities and challenges within professional sports. This study aims to systematically evaluate the legal and ethical implications associated with the application of gene editing among elite athletes. Employing a mixed-methods design, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 312 stakeholders-including athletes, coaches, legal experts, and ethicists-across five continents. Advanced statistical analyses, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Multivariate Logistic Regression, were utilized to identify significant predictors of legal risk perception and ethical concern. Results reveal a pronounced divergence in stakeholder attitudes: while 68% of legal professionals emphasize regulatory gaps, 74% of athletes express uncertainty regarding long-term health consequences. The SEM model demonstrated that perceived fairness (β=0.41, p<0.001) and regulatory clarity (β=0.36, p<0.001) are the strongest predictors of overall acceptance. These findings underscore the urgent need for robust international frameworks to address the multifaceted risks of gene editing in sports and highlight the importance of transparent policy-making. Our research provides actionable insights for regulators, sports organizations, and bioethics committees to anticipate and manage the evolving landscape of genetic technologies in athletics.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Mojtaba Ghorbani Asiabar

,

Morteza Ghorbani Asiabar

,

Alireza Ghorbani Asiabar

Abstract: Physical education (PE) teachers in schools play a critical role in managing sports activities and ensuring student safety. However, they face significant legal challenges related to negligence and liability when sports injuries occur among students. This study addresses the pressing legal issues confronting PE teachers in Iranian schools, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive legal framework to guide their responsibilities and prevent injuries. The main objective is to analyze the legal challenges faced by PE teachers in managing student sports injuries and to propose preventive legal strategies. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative legal analysis with quantitative surveys of PE teachers’ knowledge and experiences regarding legal liability. Statistical analysis, including t-tests, was used to assess the correlation between teachers’ legal awareness and injury incidence rates. The findings reveal that insufficient legal training and unclear regulations significantly increase teachers’ vulnerability to negligence claims. Moreover, the lack of standardized preventive protocols contributes to higher injury rates. The study concludes that enhancing legal education for PE teachers and establishing clear preventive guidelines are essential to reduce legal risks and improve student safety. The novelty of this research lies in its integrated legal and practical approach, combining jurisprudential analysis with empirical data from the Iranian school context, an area previously underexplored. This work offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to develop targeted legal frameworks and training programs, ultimately fostering a safer sports environment in schools.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Miles Vince

Abstract: Abstract: The phenomenon of "sound horeg," an extreme intensity audio system, is becoming increasingly prevalent in Indonesia, posing a serious challenge to public comfort and health due to noise levels exceeding safe limits. This article analyzes the discrepancy between "sound horeg" as contemporary entertainment and Jaranan, a traditional performing art rich in philosophical values and local wisdom. Employing a qualitative approach based on literature review, this research identifies the characteristics and implications of "sound horeg," including its potential for social conflict and environmental damage. In contrast to Jaranan, which functions as a medium for cultural transmission and a guardian of harmony, "sound horeg" tends to be temporary and can be considered "anti-cultural" as it erodes social order. To address this noise challenge, this article proposes the implementation of restorative justice as a humanistic solution for conflict resolution and affirms the relevance of Pancasila's values—particularly the second, third, and fifth principles—as an ethical foundation for balancing freedom of expression with social responsibility. The findings of this research are expected to inspire concrete actions in preserving culture and creating a harmonious environment.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Mojtaba Ghorbani Asiabar

,

Morteza Ghorbani Asiabar

,

Alireza Ghorbani Asiabar

Abstract: The increasing engagement of adolescents in virtual environments has raised critical concerns regarding their criminal liability in cyberspace. Despite the growing prevalence of juvenile offenses online, there is a significant gap in integrating legal frameworks with psychological insights to comprehensively address this issue. This study aims to analyze the criminal responsibility of adolescents in cyberspace through a multidisciplinary lens combining legal analysis and psychological evaluation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, qualitative legal analysis was conducted alongside quantitative psychological assessments of adolescent cognitive and moral development, using validated scales and statistical tests including chi-square and logistic regression to examine correlations between psychological maturity and legal accountability. Results reveal that traditional legal criteria for criminal responsibility often overlook the nuanced psychological development stages of adolescents, leading to potential misjudgments in cyberspace-related offenses. The findings underscore the necessity of adapting legal standards to incorporate psychological maturity, promoting fairer judicial outcomes. This research contributes novel insights by proposing an integrated legal-psychological model for assessing juvenile cybercriminal liability, emphasizing the importance of developmental psychology in legal adjudication. The study advocates for policy reforms and tailored intervention programs that reflect adolescents’ cognitive and emotional capacities in virtual crime contexts. Ultimately, this work advances the understanding of juvenile justice in the digital era, offering a foundation for more effective, just, and rehabilitative approaches to adolescent cyber offenses.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Somanpreet Singh

,

Raj Kumar

Abstract: The sports industry in India, fueled by its cultural significance and rapid growth, faces substantial challenges from counterfeiting, which undermines brand integrity, economic stability, and consumer safety. This paper examines the complexities of trademark protection under Indian law, focusing on the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and the Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Rules, 2007. It explores the unique challenges posed by non-conventional trademarks, the rise of online counterfeiting in e-commerce and the metaverse, and consumer behavior driving demand for counterfeit goods. Legal responses, including border enforcement, domain name dispute resolution, and judicial precedents, are analyzed alongside strategic approaches such as technological innovations (AI and blockchain), international cooperation, and consumer education. The paper also addresses global frameworks like the TRIPS Agreement and Paris Convention, highlighting their role in shaping trademark protection. Through case studies and a review of enforcement mechanisms, this study underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to combat counterfeiting, balancing robust legal frameworks with proactive strategies to protect sports brands in India's evolving digital and global landscape.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

,

Asheesh Yadav

Abstract: Digital transformation has fundamentally altered how content is created, distributed, and accessed, posing significant challenges to India's traditional copyright framework. This paper critically examines the evolving landscape of copyright law in India, with a specific focus on academic use, fair dealing provisions, and the role of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Through a doctrinal and comparative analysis, it highlights the inadequacies of existing legal provisions in accommodating the realities of digital content, especially in educational contexts. The research draws upon landmark judgments, legislative developments, and international obligations to evaluate the effectiveness of current legal mechanisms. It advocates for a more flexible, equitable, and technologically adaptive copyright regime that balances the rights of creators with the public’s right to access knowledge. The study concludes with policy recommendations to enhance fair use, promote open educational resources, and integrate digital rights management in a manner that fosters innovation without compromising legal safeguards.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Muhammad Ahmed

Abstract: The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought social innovations and improvement in societies globally within very short spans; despite this the novel advancement poses questions to core human rights, specifically the right to privacy. The paper aims to explore the issues of Artificial Intelligence (AI)and privacy rights with reference to international human rights and Pakistani Islamic legal systems. When understanding Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)as a threat to privacy this study why it is possible for Artificial Intelligence (AI)technologies to violate individuals’ privacy by surveillance, decision-making, and profiling. This paper reviews the current measures afforded by international instruments including the UDHR and ICCPR and discusses the advantages and drawbacks of these protective regimes in relation to privacy threats posed by AI. In addition, the paper explores the Islamic law’s position on privacy and gives clarification on the principles of the Islamic law based on human dignity and confidentiality as well as created space and this can be said to correlate closely with modern notions of privacy. This paper presents an understanding of Pakistan’s social and legal context and policy suggestions for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)with the aim of protecting privacy rights. The results emphasize that it is due to the calls for a proportionate regime which needs to afford privacy at the same time compliance with both Islamic and international laws as well as encourage technological advancement.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

Abstract: Storytelling has long played a pivotal role in legal education and practice, evolving from classical oratory and apprenticeship systems to becoming an essential pedagogical tool in clinical legal education (CLE). This paper examines the multifaceted role of storytelling in legal education, highlighting its capacity to enhance cognitive skills, critical thinking, empathy, ethical awareness, and advocacy abilities among law students. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives across psychology, literary studies, communication, and technology, the paper demonstrates how narrative techniques facilitate a deeper understanding of legal concepts, professional identity formation, and client-centered advocacy. Additionally, it explores the integration of digital storytelling, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR) tools in legal pedagogy, offering innovative approaches to immersive and practice-oriented legal training. The global and cross-cultural dimensions of storytelling in legal education underscore its importance in promoting cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and access to justice. The paper also discusses the development of structured evaluation rubrics for assessing students' narrative competence. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study advocates for a balanced, ethically mindful integration of storytelling into legal curricula to transform legal education and better prepare students for the complexities of modern legal practice.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Wei Yuan

,

Yen-Chiang Chang

Abstract: The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), endorsed by the FAO, is the first global treaty aimed at preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through enhanced port state control. Effective since 2016, the PSMA serves as a legally binding instrument to combat IUU fishing, mandating rigorous inspections of all foreign fishing vessels entering member ports, denying access to known IUU vessels, and conducting thorough investigations of suspicious vessels. Despite its potential, practical enforcement faces challenges, such as limited resources in developing countries, insufficient international cooperation and information sharing, and inconsistencies in legal sanctions across countries. To fully leverage the PSMA’s capacity, key issues such as resource allocation, global cooperation, and harmonization of relevant laws must be addressed.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Dana Volosevici

,

Gheorghe Dan Isbasoiu

Abstract: Video surveillance systems have become pervasive in contemporary society, prompting growing concerns about their psychological and behavioral effects on individuals. This study investigates how perceived surveillance influences self-censorship and behavioral regulation in monitored environments, drawing on the conceptual framework of panoptic self-regulation and surveillance-induced anxiety. A structured questionnaire was administered to 358 university students, and data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to validate latent constructs, followed by ordinal logistic regression and mediation analysis to test key hypotheses. The results indicate that individuals who perceive higher psychological pressure due to surveillance are more likely to modify their behavior, exhibiting heightened self-awareness and restraint. Additionally, belief in the active monitoring of surveillance footage significantly amplifies behavioral vigilance. The perception of the technological omnipresence of surveillance further intensifies psychological discomfort, which mediates behavioral change. These findings conceptualize video surveillance as a socio-technical system that exerts behavioral influence through internalized psychological mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of considering the unintended consequences of surveillance technologies on autonomy and freedom, and it suggests that regulatory frameworks should account not only for legal compliance but also for the psychological impact of surveillance. The results provide empirical support for viewing surveillance systems as dynamic regulators of human behavior.
Article
Social Sciences
Law

Raj Kumar

Abstract: The Ganga River, a sacred Hinduism river, is facing a pollution crisis in Haridwar and Rishikesh, particularly in the Triveni Ghat to Janki Setu stretch. Untreated municipal sewage, industrial effluents, and religious offerings have severely degraded the river's water quality, making it non-potable and violating the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974. This pollution threatens the river's ecological integrity and human rights by compromising access to clean water. The study criticizes the gross negligence in wastewater management, including the direct discharge of effluents into the river instead of redirecting them to forests or barren lands for irrigation. Despite initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme and the Ganga's legal personhood status, regulatory failures and limited community engagement hinder progress. The research proposes a holistic restoration framework, integrating advanced wastewater treatment, stricter industrial regulations, community-driven conservation, and alignment with global river restoration models like the Thames and Rhine. By redirecting treated effluents to non-potable uses and leveraging religious values, the Ganga's sanctity and ecological vitality can be restored, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and human rights obligations. Urgent action is needed to restore the Ganga's sanctity and ecological health, emphasizing the gross negligence in current practices.

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