Northeastern University Law Review
What is a “Meaningful Opportunity?” Disparities ...

BY EILIDH CURRIE

When it comes to criminal culpability, the Supreme Court has consistently treated children in a manner different than adults. Because of this understanding, the Court has recognized that sentences of life without parole may be too harsh for minors. The Court has banned mandatory juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) but permits courts to issue discretionary JLWOP sentences. The Supreme Court also permits courts to impose lengthy sentences, often called “virtual” or “de facto” life sentences. However, when issuing these lengthy sentences, courts must ensure that a minor retains a meaningful opportunity for release. Striking this balance is a challenge for sentencing courts: how long of a sentence is too long? Which sentences equate to JLWOP? What is a meaningful opportunity?…

Hope for Increased Regulation of Triclosan in Antimicrobial Hand Soaps

By Njideka Chukwu

Antimicrobial, sometimes referred to as antibacterial, hand soaps contain certain chemicals not found in plain soaps. The purpose of these added chemicals is for the reduction or prevention of bacterial contamination.  Many antimicrobial hand soaps contain a chemical called triclosan.  Triclosan is a chemical that concerns many environmental and industry groups because studies show that in testing done on animals, triclosan is a hormone disrupter, meaning that it has been classified as a chemical that prevents the natural flow of hormones to specific parts of the human body.  In addition, some studies indicate that triclosan exposure actually makes bacteria resistant to antibiotics; thus, such research leaves open the possibility that triclosan exposure may lower the effectiveness of medical treatments.  Triclosan has chemical properties that allow it to accumulate in fatty tissues and has been found in animal and human samples. There have also been toxicity studies in humans that assessed the effect of chronic exposure to triclosan.  Alarmingly, triclosan has a similar chemical structure to nonsteroidal estrogens found in humans. There have also been in-vitro studies done with triclosan.  For example, studies done in 2007 and 2008 have shown triclosan to affect anti-androgenic and anti-estrogenic levels in human breast and testosterone cells. Specific endocrine-disruptor compounds have been shown to increase the development of prostate cancer.  Although there has been a link to prostate cancer, not enough is known to prove the link some researchers have found.

This article highlights the most recent legal challenges brought against the Food and Drug Administration and hand soap companies. I will examine how plaintiffs have successfully brought suit against parties who play a role in either regulating or promulgating the presence of triclosan in U.S. markets. I argue that there should be an increase in the regulation of triclosan in antimicrobial hand soaps.