ENVIRONMENTAL SKEPTICS and CRITICS (ISSN 2224-4263) is an international journal devoted to the publication of skeptical and critical articles/short communications/letters on theories, viewpoints, methodologies, practices, policies, etc., in ecological and environmental areas.

It is often assumed that the arts, and particularly the fine arts, create and sustain the kinds of social distinctions that are antithetical to true democracy. This is the claim advanced by Pierre Bordiue's influential Distinction where he argues that what appear to be innocent differences in aesthetic tastes are, in fact, the markers of class identity that enforce social hierarchy. However, there is a countervaling tradition, represented most famously by John Dewey, that insists that the arts are necessary to the health and longevity of democratic culture, and many contemporary artists and theorists are devoted to developing an aesthetic that participates in the development of democratic ideals.

The Ashburn Institute Transnational Law Journal welcomes submissions of professional articles and student notes for its first publication in June, 2009. Accepted topics are those within our substantive areas:

1) Humanitarian Law

2) Human Rights Law

3) Comparative Law

4) Marine Law

5) Trade Law/International Business Law

While submissions are requested by April 15, 2009 for this issue, rolling acceptance will be considered for the present and future issues. The finest student notes will receive consideration for the Frank Fund Scholarship, provided by the Ashburn Institute. For more information, please visit our site, www.aitlj.org. Best of luck!

Jonathan Sussman
Editor-in-Chief
Ashburn Institute
Transational Law Journal