Write abrief description of the local law you selected for the Application Assignment this week. Then explain a strategy or approach you would take to reform the law and why you chose it. Provide details on the local agencies that you would collaborate with to accomplish this. Be specific.
Local and community government agencies regulate different laws through local ordinances. From leash laws to motion picture film ordinances, there are a wide variety of different local laws. These laws vary from community to community depending on the needs of that area. For example, in the Municipal Code of Malibu, California, there exists a chapter known as the Motion Picture, Television and Photographic Production Ordinance, or "Filming Ordinance," which covers permits and insurance required before production can begin. In Topeka, Kansas, there exists an ordinance that prohibits the sale of cereal malt beverages before noon or after 8:00 p.m. on Sundays, unless it is Easter Sunday, when sales are prohibited all day. In order to ensure that local laws continue to meet the needs of all community stakeholders, it can become necessary to implement local reforms. As a policy practitioner, it is helpful to consider strategies for implementing reforms and the persons and agencies that can work together to accomplish reform.
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Review the article, "The Legal Context of School Violence: The Effectiveness of Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence in Schools." Reflect on how federal incentives support local initiatives and agencies in regulating local law.
- Think about a strategy or approach that you would use to reform the local law you selected for the Application this week. Consider the local agencies you would work with and how you could work to change the law.