Richard Hyde

Using freedom of information requests to facilitate research

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) is a powerful tool for social researchers. However, these researchers have yet to harness the full potential of FOIA. Drawing on a number of studies using FOIA as a method of obtaining data, this article identifies the potential uses of FOIA and the limitations in its use, offering important advice on research design for studies which use FOIA both in the UK and abroad. The section ‘The role of freedom of information in research’ outlines the provisions of the UK FOIA and the section ‘How to make a request for information’ outlines the costs and benefits of utilising FOIA as a data collection tool. In sections ‘The risks and rewards of FOIA’ and ‘Combining FOIA and other methodologies,’ the article considers the place of FOIA within mixed methodology and cross jurisdictional studies, demonstrating the central role that FOIA can play in research.

The evaluation of integrated courseware: can interactive molecular modelling help students understand three-dimensional chemistry?

Molecular visualization is a prerequisite to the understanding of a diverse range of topics in the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum, from the stereochemistry of organic compounds to receptor ligand interaction. Unfortunately, traditional teaching does not allow all students to develop the ability to visualize three-dimensional molecular structure. We have developed a computer package which integrates tutorial instruction with interactive molecular modelling algorithms. The designation of R and S to chiral molecules was chosen as the subject material for the prototype courseware. We describe the design and implementation of an integrated evaluation scheme following the incorporation of the program into the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum at several U.K. universities. The results suggest that a usable and engaging interface had been produced, that provided an intuitive front-end to the complexity of the molecular modelling tools. Possible limitations in the ability of students to form mental representations of three-dimensional molecular structures have been identified. Further work on the effects of student attributes, such as gender and handedness, on effective use of the courseware is suggested.

One HACCP, Two Approaches: Experiences With and Perceptions of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Food Safety Management Systems in the United States and the EU

This article explores the differences in the use of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to manage food safety risks in the food chain from farm to fork in the EU and the United States. In particular, this article investigates the current uses and potential expansion of HACCP as a mechanism for the delivery of safe agricultural products, particularly safe produce. Using data derived from semi-structured interviews with regulatory actors in the EU and the United States, this article argues that the different approach to HACCP is a result of differing ideas about the role that it plays in the governance of food safety and the different concepts of the role of regulation in securing safe food. Finally, the article explores the difficulties of utilizing HACCP to manage produce safety risks and raises further challenges that must be met to ensure that HACCP can successfully fulfill its potential as a governance mechanism.

Procedural Control and the Proper Balance between Public and Private Interests in Defamation Claims

Claims in defamation involve courts in balancing of a number of interests. The Claimant’s interest in their reputation must be balanced with the Defendant’s interest in free expression. The Court’s interest in fair, efficient and proportionate adjudication must be balanced against the Claimant’s interest in vindicating their reputation. Much of the literature examining this balance has focused on the substantive law. This article seeks to consider how these interests have been balanced through procedural control mechanisms, such as summary judgment and strike out. In particular, the development of the court’s ability to strike out a claim as an abuse of process is been considered. It is argued that the ability to strike out in such cases performs an important role, but should not be used to prevent reputational vindication where this is worthwhile. Further, it is argued that whilst substantive and procedural changes may reduce the need for strike out, the courts should not remove this important tool from their toolbox.