What is justice?

Edition: US - Today's top story: Why justice is more important than the rule of law [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 19 December 2017 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair]( Editor's note Questions are swirling about the fate of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the rule of law. If President Trump fires Mueller, is that obstruction of justice? A scholar of philosophical literature, Klaus Mladek, says what Americans should really be asking is – what is justice, anyway? In these divisive political times, a foundational concept has gotten away from us, he writes. Getting back to a common understanding of justice might be [as simple as unplugging and thinking for yourself](. Another controversial topic for the Trump administration is immigration. Its latest plan involves overturning a rule passed by his predecessor that allowed spouses of highly skilled foreign workers to obtain jobs in the U.S. Beyond the negative economic considerations, the proposal [would also disproportionately harm women](, writes Amy Bhatt, an associate professor of gender and women’s studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Worried about navigating relationships with your loved ones during the holidays? Economist and Dean of the MSU College of Social Science, Rachel Croson, [shares practical tips for happy holidays]( gleaned from the academic study of negotiations. “The most important insight,” she says, “is that negotiation does not have to be win-lose. It can be win-win.” Danielle Douez Associate Editor, Politics + Society Top stories Special Counsel Robert Mueller. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File [Why justice is more important than the rule of law]( Klaus Mladek, Dartmouth College America's understanding of justice may be compromised, which is a more fundamental issue than enforcing the law. U.S. immigration law has a complicated history with keeping families together. Reuters/Brian Snyder [Why Trump's plan to forbid spouses of H-1B visa holders to work is a bad idea]( Amy Bhatt, University of Maryland, Baltimore County A scholar explains why the president's plan to overturn his predecessor's rule would be a big mistake and disproportionately harm women. bokan/Shutterstock.com [Tips from negotiation experts for truly happy holidays]( Rachel Croson, Michigan State University A scholar applies lessons from her research to negotiate with her spouse better and have an 'awesome holiday.' Here's how you can too – and make your family life happier overall. Arts + Culture - [The dangerous belief that white people are under attack]( Clara Wilkins, Wesleyan University A majority of white Americans now believe that white people experience racial discrimination, and memes like #ItsOkayToBeWhite are only fanning the flames. Science + Technology - [Market bubbles and sonic attacks: Mass hysterias will never go away]( Barry Markovsky, University of South Carolina Sociologists know what conditions make it more likely a mass delusion will take hold and spread through a group – whether adherence to a fashion fad or belief in a doomsday cult. Economy + Business - [Exxon Mobil's about-face on climate disclosure]( Paul Griffin, University of California, Davis The oil giant is bowing to pressure exerted by shareholders and the authorities as it tries to catch up with its competitors. Environment + Energy - [Climate change will displace millions in coming decades. Nations should prepare now to help them]( Gulrez Shah Azhar, Pardee RAND Graduate School By 2050, climate change impacts such as storms and drought could displace up to 300 million people worldwide. Nations should recognize 'climate migrants' and make plans for aiding and resettling them. Ethics + Religion - [What is a soul, anyway? Pullman's 'La Belle Sauvage' tackles the big questions]( Marek Oziewicz, University of Minnesota In his new book, Philip Pullman, once again tackles religion as an oppressive institution. On another level, he continues the quest for explaining human consciousness. Health + Medicine - [Dreading conflict during the holidays? Let it go, let it go, let it go]( Nicholas Joyce, University of South Florida We all know the holidays can be stressful, but we may not realize that we often continue the cycle. Here's how to let things go and enjoy the holidays instead of dreading them. From our international editions - [Lies about Santa? They could be good for your child]( Kristen Dunfield, Concordia University There's no need for parents to bust the Santa myth. Children figure out the truth themselves, at a developmentally appropriate time. In the process, they build their reasoning skills. - [Mysterious alien cigar 'asteroid' is actually an interstellar lump of ice (not a space ship)]( Alan Fitzsimmons, Queen's University Belfast New research reveals the true nature of 'Oumuamua, the cigar-shaped rock that recently visited Earth's solar system. - [From testosterone to dogs, and physics for babies: five fascinating books in 2017]( George Aranda, Deakin University Go on, treat yourself - read a science book over the holidays. Here are a few ideas to get started. - [Threats to Bears Ears and other Indigenous sacred sites are a violation of human rights]( George Nicholas, Simon Fraser University The Trump administration recently reduced the size of Bears Ears in Utah, opening millions of acres to mining and other uses. This threatens Indigenous heritage and can be seen as a form of violence. Today’s quote [Irrational beliefs, and the often ill-considered responses they engender, can spread like an infection across groups as large as nations or as small as nuclear families.]( [Market bubbles and sonic attacks: Mass hysterias will never go away]( Barry Markovsky University of South Carolina [Barry Markovsky] [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 625 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 USA