July 2008
The Washington Independent, July 31, 2008
FEMA Braces for Slew of Trailer Suits
By Suemedha Sood
Professor Monroe Freedman, a legal ethics experts, comments on the case against the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their failure to alert anyone of the high formaldehyde levels in the trailers used to house the Hurricane Katrina victims. FEMA’s lawyer advised them not to conduct testing until they were fully prepared to respond. Professor Freedman told the San Francisco Chronicle that “these lawyers should be disbarred for incompetence…They should also be held liable civilly for complicity in whatever harm was suffered by the residents of the trailers after their knowledge of the severe health risks.”
The Washington Independent, July 23, 2008
Using Law to Justify Torture
By Daphne Eviatar
Scott Horton, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law, a human-rights lawyer, weighs in on the investigation of whether Bush administration officials committed war crimes by authorizing the torture of suspected terrorists. Professor Horton also comments on how lawyers can be held criminally liable on account of their legal advice in connection with war crimes.
Newsday, July 14, 2008
Few ways to prevent a battle
By Melanie Lefkowitz
Andrew Schepard, Director of the Center for Children, Families and the Law and Professor of Law, comments on New York’s method of handling custody cases. The Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook trial is a good representation of divorce in New York, “which lags behind dozens of states when it comes to offering alternatives to knock-down, drag-out courtroom battles” says Newsday. Schepard states, “It puts a premium on each side saying, ‘I am better than the other parent.’ That is how parents ‘win’ custody.”
Newsday, July 14, 2008
Simon says he has shot at winning Skelos’ Senate seat
By Dan Janison
Roy D. Simon, Jr., the Howard Lichtenstein Distinguished Professor of Legal Ethics, launched his first run for public office as a Democrat challenging State Senator Dean Skelos. Simon comments that “Democrats hold a modest enrollment edge in the district, Skelos faces harder public scrutiny as top Senator, and a big presidential tide might lift all Democrats.”
Newsday, July 13, 2008
Broken hearts, broken system
By Katie Thomas, Melanie Lefkowitz and Randi F. Marshall
Andrew Schepard, Director of the Center for Children, Families and the Law and Professor of Law, comments on the lack of a “no-fault” divorce law in New York and how Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook “would have started from a different place.” In New York, one party can obtain a divorce without indicating why the marriage should end. According to Professor Schepard, “They would have been given the opportunity to behave in ways that didn’t seem quite as ugly and embarrassing.”
Newsday, July 11, 2008
Web feature: Divorced in New York
By Michelle Chen
Andrew Schepard, Director of the Center for Children, Families and the Law and Professor of Law, a founder of the Parent Education and Custody Effectiveness Program (P.E.A.C.E.) at Hofstra Law School, spoke about the state’s divorce system in a reading forum.
News 12, Long Island, July 9, 2008
Stefan Krieger, Professor of Law and Director of Hofstra Clinical Programs, comments on the Farmingdale discrimination suit.
Video clip
Newsday, July 6, 2008
A Wide Circle of Care: Aiding his journey of courage
By Rhoda Amon
Lauris Wren, Associate Clinical Professor and Attorney-in-Charge of the Political Asylum Clinic, and two students, Jody-Ann Tyrell ’08 and Frank Salamone ’08 (both now Hofstra Law alumni), gained political asylum for Stanley Chuks Nwachuku, a Nigerian engineering student who was brutally attacked by masked cult members from his university and left for dead. Stanley was originally brought to the United States to receive reconstructive surgery, but the problem was how to assure he could remain on Long Island until reconstruction would be completed. Professor Wren stated, “he was a young college student with everything going for him before this devastating attack, which would have floored most people. But Stanley found the strength to make life meaningful again.”
The Virginia Pilot, July 6, 2008
Blackwater’s shield from prosecution in Iraq may end soon
By Dale Eisman
Scott Horton, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law, gives his thoughts on reports that the United States has agreed to stop protecting employees of American Contractors, including Blackwater Worldwide from prosecution in Iraqi courts. Professor Horton, an international human rights advocate, said that “even if a new agreement ended immunity for contractors, the State Department could shield Blackwater employees under provisions of international law that cover diplomatic security personnel.” He also stated, “U.S. troops and private contractors in many other countries, including South Korea, Germany and Japan, often are protected from courts in those countries under status-of-forces agreements. But those Americans remain subject to prosecution in the United States for offenses committed overseas.”
Kirkus Reviews, July 2008
http://www.alafairburke.com/book3.html
Professor Alafair Burke was given a starred review for her new book, Angel’s Tip. Kirkus Reviews states, “Burke’s brisk and ultimately suspenseful narrative offers wily and intricate plotting and sharply etched major and minor characters.”
June 2008
Newsday, June 30, 2008
Legal Experts: Cuomo correct on Tankleff decision
By Kathleen Kerr
Eric Lane, the Eric J. Schmertz Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Public Service, comments on State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s recommendation that Martin Tankleff not be retried for his parents’ murder. According to Professor Lane, “instead of choosing the easy way out, Cuomo chose a potentially unpopular but “meritorious” way to go.”
Newsday, June 26, 2008
Experts: Court ruling won’t affect New York gun laws
By Anthony M. DeStefano
Eric M. Freedman, the Maurice A. Deane Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law, weighs in on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that defined a person’s right under the Constitution to have a firearm in the home. Carolyn McCarthy, a leading gun-control advocate, says that she believed that local “reasonable gun laws” were safe. Freedman, a constitutional law professor, commented that “there is a lot of very fuzzy language about what is reasonable… What may be reasonable in the Bronx may be different from what’s reasonable in potato fields in Suffolk County.”
ABA Journal, June 2008 Issue
Learning Experience: Agreements between lawyers and school districts may have failed the ethics test
By Kristin Choo
Roy D. Simon, Jr., the Howard Lichtenstein Distinguished Professor of Legal Ethics, comments on the relationship between a lawyer and several school districts. According to the reports, five school districts listed an attorney as a full-time employee at various times over a period of 28 years. “A lawyer is not allowed to violate a rule through the actions of another” says Professor Simon. “At the very least, he had a duty to at least inquire as to whether the school district was doing anything improper. He should have asked, ‘By what law or regulation am I being added to the payroll?’ ”
Tuscaloosa News, June 13, 2008
Justices Rule Terror Suspect Can Appeal in Civilian Courts
By Linda Greenhouse
Professor Eric Freedman weighs in on the Supreme Court recent ruling that Guantánamo Bay detainees have a constitutional right to go to federal court to challenge their continued detention. Professor Freedman, a habeas corpus expert said the court was “on the right side of history” to reject what he called “habeas lite.” Calling the decision “a structural reaffirmation of what the rule of law means,” Professor Freedman, who was a consultant to the detainees’ lawyers, said it was as important a ruling on the separation of powers as the Supreme Court has ever issued.
Newsday, June 12, 2008
OYSTER BAY: Mall developer seeks to cooperate with town
By Susana Enriquez
Professor Frank Gulino comments the litigation brewing between the developer of a proposed luxury mall in Syosset and the Town of Oyster Bay.
NY Times June 9, 2008
Here They Run Again: Term Limits Don't Seem to Faze Council Members
By Diane Cardwell
Professor Eric Lane gives his thoughts on term limits, specifically with respect to the New York City Council. La. Supreme Court considers parish rape case The Journal of Jefferson Parish April 25, 2008.
Newsday, June 8, 2008
Walking down a fine aisle: Gay marriage in New York is almost legal - couples just have to go someplace else for the ceremony
Professor Joanna Grossman weighs in on the same sex marriage debate in New York, which heated up when Governor Patterson [a Hofstra Law alum] authorized authorize a directive to all state agencies, asking them to review about 1,300 regulations to ensure that any references to "spouse," "husband" or "wife" would be interpreted to apply to same-sex marriages. Professor Grossman comments on a ruling by the Rochester court that is consistent with the state's history of recognizing marriages, even if they would not be allowed to take place in New York.
US Fed News, June 6, 2008
House Judiciary Subcommittee Reviews Deportation Investigation of Canadian Citizen Arar
Distinguished Visiting Professor Scott Horton testified before the House Judiciary subcommittee on the constitution, civil rights and civil liberties and House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on international organizations, human Rights and oversight at a joint hearing on "U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Report OIG-08-18: The Removal of a Canadian Citizen to Syria."
May 2008
Newsday, May 30, 2008
Sean Bell supporters rally in Union Square
By Michael Frazier
Ethics expert Professor Monroe Freedman comments on the latest wave of protests after acquittals of three city police detectives charged in the fatal shooting of Sean Bell in Queens 18 months ago, specifically focusing on the role of the internet in helping people get their message out
Newsday, May 30, 2008
TransUnion settlement seems like good deal to LIers
BY Gary Dymski and Patricia Kitchen
Consumer law expert Professor Norman I. Silber comments on the preliminary settlement of a class-action lawsuit against TransUnion Corp. According to Professor Silber, the settlment appears marginal for consumers because consumers already can get free credit reports and due to the sheer number of people involved.
Press & Sun-Bulletin, May 30, 2008
Binghamton judge to exit after ethics probe; Murphy accused of hearing law partners' cases
By Vanessa Ebbeling
Professor Monroe Freedman, a nationally renown expert on ethics, weighs in on the fate of the part-time Binghamton City Court judge, charged with violating judiciary conduct; the complaint accused Judge Robert C. Murphy of allowing associates and partners in his law practice -- including the former chairman of the judicial conduct commission -- to practice in city court and to appear before him in some instances. According to Professor Freedman, in the cases involved, the relationship between the judge and the lawyers should have been made a matter of record by the judge and the parties should have been given an opportunity to object.
Asbury Park Press, May 28, 2008
Expecting a change: Pregnancy discrimination complaints are rising as women fill more positions once dominated by men
By Michael L. Diamond
Professor Joanna Grossman opines on the increasing incidence of pregnancy discrimination complaints in the workplace. Many fields of employment are seeing these increases, since 85% of women will become pregnant at some point, and the more women that seek to work through their pregnancy, the greater the potential for possible discrimination. Professor Grossman advises employers to create policies beyond the federal government's regulations and allow pregnant women more flexible work schedules until they are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Newsday, May 24, 2008
Suozzi plans to release holiday DWI arrest records
By Sid Cassese
Professor Robin Charlow comments on County Executive Thomas Suozzi's plans to release the name and address of every person arrested for driving under the influence in the county this holiday weekend; Suozzi also vowed to send the mug shot and arrest record of each defendant to their local newspaper with a request to print. According to Professor Charlow, an expert in criminal law, Suozzi's action is both constitutional and sensible.
Herald Sun, May 20, 2008
Heath Ledger's Millions for Matilda Rose
By Janet Fife-Yeomans
Professor Joanna Grossman and Mitchell Gans have captivated the world with their expert opinions on the case of little Matilda Rose, daughter of the late actor, Heath Ledger. Professors Grossman and Gans opine that under New York's intestacy laws, the toddler who is not mentioned in the actor's will, would be entitled to everything.
NY Times, May 11, 2008
Longtime Practice of City Council Financing Lands on Speaker's Shoulders
By Diane Cardwell
Professor Eric Lane comments on discretionary funds given to the New York City Council, now totaling $360 million.
South Bend Tribune, May 2, 2008
'Imperial' presidency supplants division of power
By George Trey
The South Bend Tribune relies on Professor Eric Lane's expertise as a constitutional scholar in its examination of presidential power.
April 2008
The Journal of Jefferson Parish, April 25, 2008
La. Supreme Court considers parish rape case
By: Richard A. Webster
Constitutional Law expert Professor Eric Freedman talks about the few states that allow for capital punishment in rape cases involving a child.
Newsday, April 23, 2008
Behaviors Behind the Economics
By Stephen E. Ellis
Newsday looks at the phenomenon of people buying and selling home mortgages that were too risky for their own good, using Professor Grant M. Hayden's recent article "Law and Economics After Behavioral Economics" published in The University of Kansas Law Review, as a model.
Buffalo News, April 14, 2008
Views differ on whether Kaleida, ECMC should have open meetings
By Henry L. Davis
Professor Norman I. Silber comments on the question of whether meetings of a state-appointed board to arrange a consolidation of Kaleida Health and Erie County Medical Center should be open to the public.
The National Journal, April 5, 2008
Domestic Politics
By Neil Munro
Professor Andy Schepard comments on changes in how we respond to domestic violence as part of the 2007 Wingspread Conference on Domestic Violence and Family Courts.
The Star Ledger, April 1, 2008
Retailer settles consumer-fraud charges
By Greg Saitz
Professor Norman I. Silber comments on the importance of preventative measures in settlements such as requiring the posting of a bond by repeat offenders who have engaged in consumer fraud who seek to operate a new business.
March 2008
Newsday, March 31, 2008
State laws allow malls to exclude protesters
By Patrick Whittle
Professors Eric Freedman and Leon Friedman weigh in on the debate between free speech advocates and mall owners on the legality of excluding exclude picketers and protesters as trespassers.
Newsday, March 25, 2008
Trump files lawsuit over Jones Beach project
By Bill Bleyer
Professor Eric Lane opines on Donald Trump’s latest lawsuit filed in connection with Jones Beach project that accuses accusing officials of sabotaging his project. Professor Lane comments on the difficulties plaintiff Trump will face in trying to prove that the review board that denied Trump his variance acted arbitrarily.
The New York Sun, March 20, 2008
Supreme Court Weighs Juries and Race
By Associated Press
Professor Eric Freedman comments on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a death sentence and murder conviction due to the racial make up of the jury.
Concord Monitor, March 20, 2008
Justices overturn death sentence
By Mark Sherman
New York Law Journal, March 14, 2008
On 'Wey v. NYSE,' State Interpretations of Insider Trading
By J. Scott Colesanti
Hofstra Law has been mentioned in numerous press accounts in recent days as the alma mater of Governor David A. Paterson, a 1983 graduate, who assumed office on March 17, 2008. Dean Demleitner and several Hofstra Law faculty have given interviews to T.V., radio, and print media about their memories of Mr. Paterson as a Hofstra Law student, and the events leading to the sudden resignation of Governor Eliot Spitzer. A sampling of the news stories is below:Special Professor J. Scott Colesanti analyzes a recent opinion by New York State Supreme Court Judge Charles Ramos dismissing a civil suit against the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and its CEO, highlighting that the decision disclosed some novel interpretations of authorities governing federal insider trading law. The article posits that, given the deep difficulties presently facing the Securities and Exchange Commission with insider trading cases, such readings of the applicable precedents are not only inevitable, but outright desirable.
The New York Times, March 30, 2008
A Governor Who Knows His Way Around the Island
By Bruce LambertRockville Centre Herald, March 20, 2008
What Paterson can do for Long Island
By Dan IsraeliNewsday, March 17, 2008
Paterson will call for bipartisanship in speech
By James T. MadoreNewsday, March 15, 2008
Paterson classmates recall law school friendship
By Timothy RobertsonNewsday, March 13, 2008
The Spitzer Scandal: Winners and Loser
Compiled by Reid J. Epstein with contributions by John Hildebrand, Dan Janison, Bart Jones, William Murphy, Sandra Peddie, Karla Schuster and Olivia Winslow.Newsday, March 13, 2008
Paterson's commitment, confidence easy to see
By Melanie LefkowitzNewsday, March 13, 2008
Even without conviction, Spitzer may be disbarred
By Anthony M. DestefanoNewsday, March 12, 2008
Paterson was standout student who beat the odds
By Nia-Malika Hendersonwcbstv.com, March 12, 2008
Prof. Eric Lane talks about Paterson on WCBS-TV, Channel 2
By Sean HennesseyNewsday, March 13, 2008
Looking Forward
(editorial)Daily News, March 13, 2008
One leader lost, one found
By Errol LouisWCBS-880 News Radio, March 13, 2008
Weprin Has Known Paterson for Decades (audio link)
By Rich LambAlbany Times Union, March 13, 2008
New test in career forged by challenge
By Rick Karlin and Cathleen F. CrowleyToronto Star, March 13, 2008
The man replacing Spitzer a 'class act' and team player
By John Nichols
February 2008
Newsday, February 29, 2008
Courts, County Did Not Share Mother's History
By Michael Amon and Alfonso A. Castillo
Professor Theo Liebmann, director of the Child Advocacy Clinic at Hofstra Law School, is quoted in a Newsday article on the case of Leatrice Brewer, accused of murdering her three children in their New Cassel home in February. Professor Liebmann comments on the failure of state and county officials and the courts to share information in child neglect cases.
Boston Globe, February 12, 2008
Trial could put focus on interrogation
New York Times, February 11, 2008
U.S. Seeking Execution for 6 in Sept. 11 Case
International Herald Tribune, February 11, 2008
U.S. seeks death penalty for 6 in Sept. 11 attacks
Newsday.com, February 11, 2008
Death penalty sought for 'brains' of 9/11
Professor Eric Freedman, who has been a consultant to the Guantánamo detainees' lawyers, has been widely sought by the news media for his expertise on the legal case against the six Guantánamo detainees who are to be charged with central roles in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and for whom the U.S. is seeking the death penalty.
January 2008
The New York Times, January 20, 2008
Young, Female, Energetic and, Now, Dean
By Linda Saslow
The New York Times published a profile of Dean Nora V. Demleitner in its Long Island section on January 20, 2008, following her appointment by Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz to lead Hofstra Law School. The article includes an interview with Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., for whom Dean Demleitner clerked when he served on the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
 |
NewsChannel 4 (WNBC-TV), January 15, 2008 "Burglar Arrested For 99th Time" Dean Nora Demleitner comments on the courts' limited ability to keep career criminals behind bars. http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=203898#videoid=205527 |
November-December 2007
The New York Times, December 17, 2007
A 17-Year-Old Legal Case and a $5.4 Million Fine Shadow D'Amato's Hometown
By Paul Vitello
Professor Eric Lane comments on a long-standing federal civil rights case against the Village of Island Park on Long Island.
Newsday, December 16, 2007
Three separate books examine the U.S. Constitution
By Scott McLemee
Reviewers in the New York Times and Newsday praised Professor Eric Lane's new book on the constitution (written with Michael Oreskes, executive editor of the International Herald Tribune). In the Times's review of THE GENIUS OF AMERICA - How the Constitution Saved Our Country and Why It Can Do It Again, reviewer Dahl says the authors "have provided us with an excellent discussion of how the Constitution, frequently revised by amendment, has managed to survive through numerous challenges and crises."
The New York Times, November 28, 2007
Book Review: On the Way to the Common Good, Delegates Found Words That Still Apply
By Robert A. Dahl
October 2007
The New York Times, October 4, 2007
Madison Square Garden is Facing a Second Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
By Richard Sandomir
Professor Joanna Grossman comments in this article about the potential damage to Madison Square Garden's reputation as it faces a second sexual harassment suit on the heels of its tremendous loss in the lawsuit brought by Anucha Browne Sanders. The two cases, Grossman observed, viewed by many as incidents involving "individual wrong" against women, but "not necessarily an indictment of the company or the culture."
TIME.com, October 3, 2007
Should Britney Lose Custody?
By Rebecca Winters Keegan
Professor Joanna Grossman comments in this article on a judge's decision to strip Britney Spears of custody of her two children. "This is just a wake-up call for Britney, to send a message to her that this is real, that you could really lose your kids because of the way you're behaving."
September 2007
New York Post, September 28, 2007
Convicted Lynne an 'Ethics' Expert
By Jennifer Fermino
Interim Dean Nora Demleitner defends Hofstra Law School's decision to invite Lynne Stewart, a lawyer who was disbarred and convicted of providing assistance to terrorist clients, to participate in its annual ethics conference. "We're putting her in a situation where you will have questions and answers. It's a learning situation, especially for the students."
Newsday, September 26, 2007
Thousands Eligible Under New York's License Charge
By Joie Tyrrell
Interim Dean Nora Demleitner contributes to this article about Governor Eliot Spitzer';s new policy offering driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants who hold a foreign passport. Demleitner predicts that many undocumented immigrants will take advantage of the new policy, since they are "trying to do everything not to run afoul of the law, which would include driving safely and having insurance."
Newsday, September 22, 2007
Despite Appellate Ruling, Judge Keeps Tough Sentence
By Keith Herbert
Professor Eric Freedman contributes to this article about the decision of a judge to impose an identical sentence on a man whose sentence had been thrown out on appeal. On the question of whether he might win a second appeal, Freedman observed that the likelihood of success would be low "in the absence of some special circumstances."
Newsday, September 17, 2007
These Ideas Made America Great
By Eric Lane and Michael Oreskes
Professor Eric Lane co-authors this editorial, drawing on the ideas on his recently published book, The Genius of America (Bloomsbury Press 2007).
Newsday, September 15, 2007
Appellate Court Dismisses LI Murder Conviction
By Alfonso A. Castillo
Interim Dean Nora Demleitner comments in this article about a man whose conviction for depraved indifference murder was thrown out because he wasn't actually charged with that particular crime. As Demleitner observed, this represents "a total breakdown in the criminal judicial system."
The New York Times, September 10, 2007
Sexual-Harassment Case Against Thomas is Set to Open
By Richard Sandomir
Professor Joanna Grossman contributes to this article about the sexual harassment case brought by Anucha Browne Sanders against Madison Square Garden and the Knicks' coach Isaiah Thomas. Grossman notes that the plaintiff's retaliation claim may be easier to prove than the case for harassment, since she was fired the day after MSG concluded its internal investigation of her complaints.
The Dallas Morning News, September 8, 2007
Misconduct Alleged in '05 Murder Case
By Karin Shaw Anderson
Professor Monroe Freedman comments in this article about dismissal of a murder indictment after the defendant's defense lawyer discovered that their attorney-client phone conversations may have been taped by the jail and shared with the prosecutor. "This is such a basic, elementary violation of rule that there should be disciplinary action," Freedman stated.
August 2007
Trial, August 1, 2007
The "Well-Qualified" Juror
By Craig M. Bradley
Professor Eric Freedman contributes to this article about the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling in Utrecht v. Brown, which upheld a court's excusal of a prospective juror in a capital murder case because he expressed ambivalence about the death penalty.
Newsday, August 23, 2007
Attorney: Long Island Pilots Won't Go to Brazil
By Bill Bleyer
Interim Dean Nora Demleitner contributes to this article about the effect of a subpoena issued by a Brazilian judge to two Long Island pilots to testify about their role in a midair collision over the Amazon last year.
The New York Times, August 20, 2007
Greasing the Wheels on the Machinery of Death
By Adam Liptak
Professor Eric Freedman contributes to this article about a provision of an antiterrorism law that gives the U.S. Attorney General the power to decide whether states are providing effective legal representation to condemned lawyers.
The Courier-Journal, August 14, 2007
Experts: Jailing of 3 Lawyers Improper
By Andrew Wolfson
Professor Monroe Freedman comments in this article about the propriety of the pretrial jailing of three lawyers who are charged with stealing money from their clients. Freedman observed: "I have no sympathy for these lawyers, but there is only one purpose for pretrial detention, and that is to make sure defendants will appear again, not to make an example of them for image purposes."
Newsday, August 8, 2007
Man Convicted in Lynbrook Murder to be Resentenced
By Ann Givens
Professor Eric Freedman comments in this article about whether a man whose 70- year sentence for murder will be shortened upon resentencing.