2020-2021

In late 2008, Bernard L. Madoff admitted to orchestrating the longest and largest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history, a crime spanning decades and defrauding investors of over $20 billion. David Sheehan, Chief Counsel to the trustee for the Madoff victims, discusses the fraud of the century.

In late 2008, Bernard L. Madoff admitted to orchestrating the longest and largest Ponzi scheme in U.S. history, a crime spanning decades and defrauding investors of over $20 billion. David Sheehan, Chief Counsel to the trustee for the Madoff victims, discusses the fraud of the century.

With millions of Americans waiting for life saving organ transplants, why are human organ sales criminally prohibited? Harvard professor and leading expert Glenn Cohen breaks down the regulations governing organ transplantation, describes the dangers of transplant tourism, and suggests alternative schemes we may see in the coming years.

With millions of Americans waiting for life saving organ transplants, why are human organ sales criminally prohibited? Harvard professor and leading expert Glenn Cohen breaks down the regulations governing organ transplantation, describes the dangers of transplant tourism, and suggests alternative schemes we may see in the coming years.

Innovative new technology has the potential to make our lives easier but often at the expense of privacy.  As we willingly give up more of our personal data, how will the courts balance the sometimes competing interests of privacy, security, and liberty?  Jeffrey Rosen explains.

Stops, searches, and arrests: explore the rights you have and those you thought you had, from the man who helped write the Federal Rules of Evidence. Prof. Daniel Capra sits down with host Joel Cohen to explain.

Stops, searches, and arrests: explore the rights you have and those you thought you had, from the man who helped write the Federal Rules of Evidence. Prof. Daniel Capra sits down with host Joel Cohen to explain.

Rapid technological advancement is changing the way the law enforcement operate and interact with the public. Professor Bennett Capers explains how new technologies are being used by police departments across the country and the legal issues implicated.

Race, speech, and the power of the NBA. Sports law expert Paul Haagen of Duke Law dissects the most sensational NBA owner scandal in a generation.

What goes into defending high-profile clients in criminal trials? Hear from veteran criminal defense attorney Benjamin Brafman on the unique challenges. Brafman discusses media strategy, cameras in the courtroom, maintaining attorney-client confidentiality, and the public's misperception of special treatment for celebrity defendants.

For a spectacular dance performance, many elements have to come together - choreography, dancers, music, the set, costumes - and surprisingly a good deal of lawyering. Elena Paul of Alvin Ailey Dance Company discusses the legal issues involved in running a premiere dance company and the intellectual property rights in dance.

United States Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life, but should they be? Explore the constitutional principles, justifications, and criticisms behind life tenure with one of the leading constitutional scholars in the U.S., Professor Richard Fallon of Harvard Law.

United States Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life, but should they be? Explore the constitutional principles, justifications, and criticisms behind life tenure with one of the leading constitutional scholars in the U.S., Professor Richard Fallon of Harvard Law.

From Ray Rice and the outcry over domestic violence in the NFL to the Chicago Black Sox Scandal, professional sports have created parallel processes to discipline athletes beyond the justice of the courts. Prof. Paul Haagen explores the history of league enforcement in sports and explains the latest legal changes affecting the NFL, NBA, MLB, pro soccer and more.

Prosecutors hold immense power and discretion to inalterably change the lives of those they pursue. What limitations and responsibilities do they have in wielding this power? Hear from former prosecutors Professors Green and Roiphe as they discuss the broad discretionary powers prosecutors exercise and the ethical standards they must meet.

Prosecutors hold immense power and discretion to inalterably change the lives of those they pursue. What limitations and responsibilities do they have in wielding this power? Hear from former prosecutors Professors Green and Roiphe as they discuss the broad discretionary powers prosecutors exercise and the ethical standards they must meet.

Intimate partner violence is an issue that transcends all gender, racial, and socioeconomic lines, but indigent women are disproportionately likely to be victims of partner abuse. Expert attorneys for the nonprofit organization Her Justice discuss the importance of access to justice and how organizations like Her Justice are helping victims escape abuse.

Intimate partner violence is an issue that transcends all gender, racial, and socioeconomic lines, but indigent women are disproportionately likely to be victims of partner abuse. Expert attorneys for the nonprofit organization Her Justice discuss the importance of access to justice and how organizations like Her Justice are helping victims escape abuse.

Counterfeiting has become exceedingly lucrative and is no longer limited to handbags and watches. Knock-offs include everything from medications to children's toys and food. Heather McDonald delves into the effects of this illicit industry and explains how she and others are combatting counterfeiters through legal means.

An $80 million art fraud scheme involving fake works of Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock works; a treasure trove of suspected Nazi plundered art discovered in a Munich apartment; 83 pieces stolen from Jasper Johns' studio - Daniel Levy, former Assistant US Attorney, discusses with host, Joel Cohen, iconic cases that have plagued the art world in recent years and the criminal and civil legal issues involved.

Facebook friending a judge, telling a client to "clean up" his Facebook, or an attorney tweeting, "Who wants to win next?" Nicole Hyland explains the common and uncommon ethical pitfalls in attorneys' social media use.

After 30 years on death row, Henry McCollum was exonerated with the help of DNA evidence for the murder and rape of a young girl. With the risk of wrongful conviction so high, can capital punishment still be justified? Stanford Law Professor John Donohue scrutinizes the controversial practice and the particular biases that surround it.

The first iteration of the Food and Drug Act came about after Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle exposed atrocious conditions in meatpacking plants.  Today’s consumers are much more interested in not only what’s in their food and how it's made but the health consequences of what they eat. Lauren Handel breaks down food labeling laws and explains some of the recent litigation on misleading food labels.

In criminal justice, the mental state of the defendant can be critical, requiring courts to look at defendants thoughts as well as their actions. Outside of the courtroom, new research has shifted our understanding of how the human brain works.  How are are breakthroughs in neuroscience and new technologies such as brain scans being used in today's courts to judge guilt and calculate punishment? Professor Denno explores important criminal justice issues from the lens of modern neuroscience and explains the extent that evolving scientific insight is affecting the criminal justice system. 

Frequent mass shootings raise important questions about the effectiveness of US gun laws. Professor John Donohue explains the current legal landscape and the gaps, and suggests changes that could reduce gun violence in the future.

Frequent mass shootings raise important questions about the effectiveness of US gun laws. Professor John Donohue explains the current legal landscape and the gaps, and suggests changes that could reduce gun violence in the future.

The First Amendment protects religious beliefs and conduct, but the right to free exercise of religion is not absolute. What happens when religious conduct endangers the health or well-being of a child? When can the government step in to protect children's interests or mandate vaccination and medical treatment for children? Professor Hamilton answers these questions and more in her analysis of religious freedom laws and exemptions.

The First Amendment protects religious beliefs and conduct, but the right to free exercise of religion is not absolute. What happens when religious conduct endangers the health or well-being of a child? When can the government step in to protect children's interests or mandate vaccination and medical treatment for children? Professor Hamilton answers these questions and more in her analysis of religious freedom laws and exemptions.

When criminals use shell companies, offshore bank accounts, and real estate as money laundering vehicles, lawyers, whether knowingly or unknowingly, assist these transactions. Professor William Simon explains how an unwitting lawyer could be complicit in the money laundering enterprise, the basics of money laundering laws and the risk factors, and suggests best practices for lawyers.

The poison pill, Pac-Man, golden parachute - these hostile takeover defense mechanisms have colorful names, but what do they all mean? Professor Morley breaks them down and explains how the laws have changed the landscape of M&A since the 1980s.

Rapid advances in technology are changing how kids are learning in today's schools. Yet with the rise of education tech, what kinds of information are companies collecting from children and how is this sensitive data being stored and protected? Professor Reidenberg sheds light on this murky terrain and suggests a path forward.

The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted as a response to the Great Recession of 2007, but what does this complex regulation do and has it fixed the problems or addressed the causes of the financial meltdown? Annette Nazareth explains.

Human sex trafficking is a fast-growing, multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that spans the globe. The victims, predominantly young women and children, number in the millions. Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General, explains how authorities are combating this problem domestically and abroad by incorporating innovative approaches to enforcement and new laws to protect the victims and target traffickers, wherever they are. 

Human sex trafficking is a fast-growing, multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that spans the globe. The victims, predominantly young women and children, number in the millions. Sean Reyes, Utah Attorney General, explains how authorities are combating this problem domestically and abroad by incorporating innovative approaches to enforcement and new laws to protect the victims and target traffickers, wherever they are. 

Lawyers defend clients when they get in trouble with the law, but what happens when lawyers break the law? They could be subject not only to the criminal justice system but also the legal profession's disciplinary system. Hal Lieberman shares his wisdom with host, Joel Cohen.

Gerrymander is a portmanteau of salamander + Gerry, the last name of a former governor, and is a practice that is centuries old. But how does it work, how does it affect modern day elections, and is it time to reassess the practice? Professor Issacharoff, renowned scholar on the political process, explains to host Suraj Patel.

50+ years after the end of Jim Crow, voting rights remains a hotly contested issue. Professor Issacharoff explains to guest host Suraj Patel the history of voter suppression and the Voting Rights Act, and breaks down the modern debate to its elements.

The Sixth Amendment provides a right to counsel for indigents in criminal cases, but that right may be an empty promise when public defense organizations lack funding to provide adequate assistance. Seymour James, Attorney-in-Chief of The Legal Aid Society, explains the impact on access to justice for the poor when that right is undermined.

American political campaigns are increasingly financed by Super PACs and shadowy nonprofits. Some believe that too much money being funneled by special interest groups and wealthy donors opens the door to corruption and influence buying. Host Suraj Patel sits down with Professor Richard Briffault to explore campaign finance laws and the key issues of contention to get to the bottom of this complicated debate.

American political campaigns are increasingly financed by Super PACs and shadowy nonprofits. Some believe that too much money being funneled by special interest groups and wealthy donors opens the door to corruption and influence buying. Host Suraj Patel sits down with Professor Richard Briffault to explore campaign finance laws and the key issues of contention to get to the bottom of this complicated debate.

By 2020, Internet of Things (IoT) related consumer spending is projected to hit $2.6 trillion, and over 6.4 billion devices will be connected. What impact will the surge of IoT devices have on how we interact with the world, and how will it affect data security and privacy rights? Host Joel Cohen sits down with John Heitmann and Jameson Dempsey to find out.

By 2020, Internet of Things (IoT) related consumer spending is projected to hit $2.6 trillion, and over 6.4 billion devices will be connected. What impact will the surge of IoT devices have on how we interact with the world, and how will it affect data security and privacy rights? Host Joel Cohen sits down with John Heitmann and Jameson Dempsey to find out.

When law firms fail, they don't just dissolve - they implode. John Morley of Yale Law explains the unique fragility that has resulted in the spectacular collapse of firms like Dewey LeBoeuf, Howrey, and Brobeck.

What are the do's and don'ts for lawyers making lateral jumps from one firm to another? Sarah McShea, legal ethics guru, reveals the hidden dangers and breaks down the ethics minefield in conflicts, communications with client, fiduciary duties to the law firm, and more.

Despite increasing numbers of minorities and women in law schools and state bars, there continues to be a lack of diversity in the judiciary. As the first female South Asian judge in New York, Judge Rajeswari talks about her unique path to the judgeship and why diversity on the bench matters.

Drafting client emails on an airplane, reviewing an agreement while vacationing out-of-state - lawyers all do this, but are they running afoul of ethics rules? As clients are increasingly doing business across multiple state lines, today's lawyers need to know the pitfalls and safe harbors in multijurisdictional practice. Sarah McShea, legal ethics guru, breaks down this murky area.

Are DNA, human tissue, and sperm "property"? What rights do you have over discarded DNA or cells that you shed everyday? Can you be sued for paternity for donating sperm or "stolen" sperm? Professor Glenn Cohen explores these questions and more.

Are DNA, human tissue, and sperm "property"? What rights do you have over discarded DNA or cells that you shed everyday? Can you be sued for paternity for donating sperm or "stolen" sperm? Professor Glenn Cohen explores these questions and more.

How is the attorney-client relationship impacted when a third party invests in the lawsuit? Professor Anthony Sebok explains what litigation financing is and how it works, and answers the legal ethics questions raised.

How is the attorney-client relationship impacted when a third party invests in the lawsuit? Professor Anthony Sebok explains what litigation financing is and how it works, and answers the legal ethics questions raised.

Over 350 languages are spoken in American homes today. Such linguistic diversity means that many who encounter the courts will not have sufficient English proficiency to navigate the legal system. Judge Rajeswari talks about the importance of providing meaningful language services to ensure access to justice.

High fashion models are trending younger and thinner than ever, but are their rights adequately protected? Doreen Small, former General Counsel of Ford Models, and Ali Grace Marquart, former Director of Legal Affairs for Wilhemina Models, discuss laws governing underage models, underweight models, and excessive Photoshop.

When a corporation is treated a legal person, to what extent does the corporation's religious freedom rights trump women's reproductive rights? Kara Loewentheil explains the Supreme Court case Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and explores this question.

Every US president since 1869 has represented either the Republican or Democratic Party, but in an era of internet funding and increased populism, what powers do the parties retain?  How does the legal framework influence the Republican and Democratic parties in selecting their candidates, or conversely, the ability of candidates to buck their party?  Professor Richard Pildes of NYU Law School discusses with host Suraj Patel the shifting powers of political parties and the legal changes that have dramatically affected how presidents are elected.

Every US president since 1869 has represented either the Republican or Democratic Party, but in an era of internet funding and increased populism, what powers do the parties retain?  How does the legal framework influence the Republican and Democratic parties in selecting their candidates, or conversely, the ability of candidates to buck their party?  Professor Richard Pildes of NYU Law School discusses with host Suraj Patel the shifting powers of political parties and the legal changes that have dramatically affected how presidents are elected.

Pets are often the first targets of abusers or become pawns of abuse and control toward their victims. Statistics show domestic abusers harm pets and animals in the home just as they abuse their partner or children. Christine Mott discusses the link between animal cruelty and domestic abuse and the crucial role lawyers can play to help victims and their pets.

The public debate over transgender issues has largely centered on the so-called bathroom bills, but the rights of transgender people are being infringed upon not only in public accommodations but also in education, healthcare, IDs, among others. Mara Keisling explains the issues endangering the transgender community and what organizations like hers is doing to protect their rights.

The public debate over transgender issues has largely centered on the so-called bathroom bills, but the rights of transgender people are being infringed upon not only in public accommodations but also in education, healthcare, IDs, among others. Mara Keisling explains the issues endangering the transgender community and what organizations like hers is doing to protect their rights.

For many Americans, meat is relatively cheap and abundant - a result of livestock production shifting from small-scale outdoor to indoor, industrialized factory farming.  But what implications does this have for animal welfare, and what laws are in place to ensure food safety and humane handling of animals?  Christine Mott explains the key cases, the current legislative landscape, and proposals for reform.

When national tragedies occur, the path to recovery can be a long one for victims. Victim compensation funds and mass tort resolution programs have developed in recent years to streamline and expedite compensation. Kenneth Feinberg discusses some of the biggest funds, including the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, and the mechanics and challenges of administering those programs.

Whether it’s “modern day presidential” or conduct unbecoming a president, there’s no denying Trump’s Twitter use has been an effective way to deliver his message directly to the public and grant real-time access to his thinking.  What are the potential legal ramifications of some of the most notorious #TrumpTweets?  Professor Shaw explains.

President Trump’s habit of making off the cuff remarks and veering off script that sometimes contradicts official White House policy raises the question: when and how much should the president’s speech matter in the courts?  With litigations on the travel bans, sanctuary cities, and other executive actions, the courts are grappling with this issue.  Professor Shaw explores how courts have historically examined such speech and offers her proposal for a legal framework.

Professional team sports leagues in the U.S. have historically operated as monopolies, unchecked by many of the antitrust laws applicable to most other industries.  Team owners employed reserve clauses that gave them control over a player' s entire career, restricting the player's autonomy in trades.  James Quinn of Berg & Androphy, who has represented professional sports players' associations, explains the major developments over the past half-century that shifted power to players and established free agency in sports.

Professional team sports leagues in the U.S. have historically operated as monopolies, unchecked by many of the antitrust laws applicable to most other industries.  Team owners employed reserve clauses that gave them control over a player' s entire career, restricting the player's autonomy in trades.  James Quinn of Berg & Androphy, who has represented professional sports players' associations, explains the major developments over the past half-century that shifted power to players and established free agency in sports.

Innovative new technology has the potential to make our lives easier but often at the expense of privacy.  As we willingly give up more of our personal data, how will the courts balance the sometimes competing interests of privacy, security, and liberty?  Jeffrey Rosen explains.

Law is the least diverse profession in the country. Women and minority groups remain underrepresented, particularly in positions of authority. Diversity rates have flatlined in the past decade, but champions of diversity are working to change that. Judge Jenny Rivera of the New York Court of Appeals explores why the problem persists and offers her recommendations for progress.

Cryptocurrency and initial coin offering (ICO) markets have boomed in recent years, creating billions of dollars in value. ICOs appear to be a simple way for entrepreneurs to fundraise, but when the tokens being offered act like securities, they may be running afoul of US securities laws. Professor John Morley of Yale Law explains.

Mutual funds in the US own about 1/3 of all American corporate stocks and currently hold over $16 trillion in assets, making mutual funds the largest category of household financial assets.  So when it comes to the US economy, they matter in a big way.  Professor John Morley of Yale Law explores the unique structure of mutual funds that creates risks and opportunities for funds and investors.