The Journal of International Policy Solutions at the University of California, San Diego is accepting submissions for its Spring 2009 issue. Submissions must present and describe an international problem; provide solutions to the problem and/or make recommendations; discuss implementation strategy for the recommendations given; and describe a course of action, including effects and/or challenges to policy implementation. The deadline is February 29, 2009. More

Yesterday, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts erred in delivering the constitutionally prescribed oath of office to President-elect Barack Obama. In an apparent effort to avoid public offense to the Chief Justice, Obama repeated the incorrect phrasing. The 35-word oath is the only sentence given in quotes in the U.S. Constitution. Just last week, a federal district court paved the way for the words "so help me God" to be added to the sentence (see my earlier blog). The ad hoc alteration and the permissible addition of words have legal scholars divided on whether the textual requirement of Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution is symbolic or legally significant. If symbolic, Obama became the 44th President of the United States yesterday upon his swearing-in at the Capitol, regardless of the actual content of the oath. If legally significant, Obama must deliver the oath again -- verbatim -- from the U.S. Constitution. Purple ticket holders for the swearing-in, many of whom were trapped in a highway tunnel during the inauguration, welcome a "do-over" ceremony, just in case the strictest constructionists and textualists are legally correct. More

The International Public Policy Review of University College London is currently inviting submissions of articles written in all areas of or relating to governance and public policy. The Review welcomes numerous forms of contributions including case study, results of research, a comparative survey, or a critical analysis and reflection on the topic. The deadline is 20 February 2009. More