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Normative notions of fairness are shaped by?and reflected in?a nation’s legal system. The idea of equality is a bedrock element of the American legal and political systems; we strive for a meritocracy and affirm the obligation of government to treat similarly situated citizens equally. The ?level playing field? is a favorite metaphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. We assess the link between a program’s volunteer support and state social capital in the case of the joint implementation of the federal Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program by state and federal authorities. This program, which is designed to prevent elder abuse and ensure quality care in long-term facilities, is implemented at the state and local levels and relies heavily on volunteer staff. First, we find that volunteerism is vital to the efficacy of the program’s monitoring and investigative functions. Second, we find that volunteerism in this program is tied to broader level conditions of a state’s social capital. Last, we discuss the implications of our findings for volunteer-based programs devolved to the states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an institutional theory of generalized trust. Our argument is that the structure of contemporary institutions is an important and overlooked factor that matters for the generation of generalized trust. In particular, we develop a causal mechanism which explains and specifies the causal flow from impartial, un-biased and un-corrupt, just institutions responsible for the implementation of public policies to generalized trust. The impartiality and efficiency of these institutions influences basically citizens’ institutional trust and more specifically (1) how they experience feelings of safety and protection; (2) how citizens make inferences from the system and public officials to other citizens, (3) how citizens observe the behavior of fellow-citizens, and (4) how they experience discrimination against themselves or close others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to develop and at least partially test hypotheses on the extent to which mafia groups can migrate outside of the area where originated. The hypotheses I consider are: level of social capital; supply of Mafiosi in the new area; size of the market/area they try to ‘conquer’; and demand for criminal services. I consider one case study in depth: the failed attempt of the Solntsevo crime group to establish itself in Rome. I use network-type data extracted from an extensive police report on this case. I conclude by underplaying the role of social capital, while the size of the market one tries to penetrate and the demand for criminal services in the new area emerge as crucial factors facilitating expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]