Why Trump’s sweeping theory of presidential immunity poses danger to democracy
CERL Executive Board member Stuart Gerson is among a group of high-ranking former government officials who filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Donald J. Trump v. United States, arguing that a former president does not have blanket immunity from committing criminal acts as part of efforts to overturn the results of […]
UN top court to hear case accusing Berlin of enabling war crimes in Israel-Hamas war
The United Nations’ top court will hear on Monday a case brought by Nicaragua alleging that Germany has enabled war crimes by providing military support to Israel in its campaign against Hamas. CERL Advisory Council member Mary Ellen O’Connell is quoted by PBS on this case. Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short […]
Open expression at universities since Oct. 7
CERL’s Professor Claire Finkelstein spoke on a panel hosted by the UCLA School of Law about freedom of speech on U.S. college campuses since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, as reported by the Daily Bruin. Universities have an obligation to limit speech that is antisemitic or discriminatory in nature, Prof. Finkelstein argues. Claire Finkelstein […]
Does the “SAFE” Act sufficiently protect U.S. national security interests?
With the current extension to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) expiring on April 19, CERL Advisory Council member George Croner analyzes the latest efforts by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) to reauthorize the foreign intelligence program but with significant reforms. In an opinion for Just Security, Croner explains […]
Legal experts and fmr gov officials file brief against Trump’s bid to dismiss Espionage Act charges
Nineteen legal experts and former government officials, including CERL Executive Board member Stuart Gerson, filed a brief opposing former President Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss his Espionage Act charges based on the “unlawful appointment” of special counsel Jack Smith. The brief argues that Trump’s claims are devoid of merit and consistency, as reported by Law […]
How interrogation methods have evolved to generate accurate intelligence
CERL Advisory Council member Mark Fallon joined Dave Thompson of Truth Be Told podcast to discuss science-based investigative practices, the importance of empathy, and the critical role research plays in enhancing interrogation techniques and preventing coercive methods. Mark Fallon is the co-founder of Project Aletheia at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, director of ClubFed, […]
Is the Kremlin behind Havana Syndrome?
CERL Executive Board member Mark Zaid spoke with SpyTalk and appeared on CBS News’ 60 Minutes to discuss investigations into the mysterious neurological symptoms reported initially by U.S. diplomats and their families in Cuba between 2016-2018 and, later, by Americans in Washington, D.C., China, Russia, China, Germany, India, and Latin America. Common to the clients […]
Maintaining U.S. support for Syrian Kurdish forces
CERL Executive Board member General (Ret.) Joseph Votel spoke on a panel hosted by the Kurdish Peace Institute about the security landscape in Syria and the U.S. partnership with Syrian Kurdish forces. Maintaining support for the Kurds in Syria is critical for conflict resolution, General Votel explains. General Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Army (Ret.) is […]
New ABC docuseries explores theory and practice of interrogations
CERL Advisory Council member Mark Fallon will appear on two of six episodes exploring the techniques used by investigators in criminal cases to obtain information and, in some instances, a confession. The episodes are part of a new ABC docuseries called “The Interrogation Tapes,” airing April 1, 2024. Fallon is quoted in an article about […]
Testimony in support of ending police deception
CERL Advisory Council member Mark Fallon testified before the Minnesota State Legislature in support of a bill (HR 2319/ SF 2495) banning police deception. Mark Fallon is the co-founder of Project Aletheia at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, director of ClubFed, LLC, and a member of the CERL Advisory Council. Fallon has been in […]
Importance of science-based interrogation practices
Before an audience of 600 judges and court personnel, CERL Advisory Council member Mark Fallon discussed the evolution of science-based interrogation. The event entitled “True Lies: Guilt, Innocence and Advancements in Interrogation Research and Practice” was hosted by the Innocence Project and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). Fallon was joined […]
SCOTUS rulings in two border cases
In a post for Epstein Becker Green’s SCOTUS Today, CERL Executive Board member Stuart Gerson discusses the Supreme Court’s two recent rulings in Federal Bureau of Investigation v. Fikre and Wilkinson v. Garland, involving agency-level decisions in the national security and immigration domains. Stuart Gerson is Member of the Firm at Epstein Becker Green, former […]
Cannon’s order in the Trump Mar-a-Lago case
CERL Executive Board member Mark Zaid is quoted by Newsweek on the order issued by Judge Aileen Cannon in former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago case involving his handling of classified documents. Her request of the government is unclear, Zaid explains. Mark S. Zaid, Esq., is a Washington, D.C. based attorney who specializes in crisis management […]
SCOTUS decision in Trump’s immunity case
CERL Affiliated Faculty Kermit Roosevelt joined MSNBC to discuss former President Trump’s immunity case, the meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment, and efforts by the Supreme Court to appear neutral at a time when support for the institution is flagging. Kermit Roosevelt is the David Berger Professor for the Administration of Justice at Penn Carey Law […]
How Republicans and Democrats framed Hur’s conclusions
CERL Executive Board member Mark Zaid is quoted in an article by The Hill discussing the report issued by special counsel Robert Hur on President Biden’s handling of classified information. Both sides of the aisle used findings to support their political objectives, he explains. Mark S. Zaid, Esq., is a Washington, D.C. based attorney who […]
Increase in antisemitic incidents since outbreak of Israel-Hamas war
CERL’s Claire Finkelstein spoke on an Oct.7 panel hosted by the Anti-Defamation League about the increase in antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Holocaust education should be mandatory at universities, Prof. Finkelstein explains. Claire Finkelstein is the Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy and Faculty […]
Importance of taking humanitarian measures in Gaza
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, CERL Executive Board member General Joseph Votel discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the importance of maintaining strong lines of communications with partners in the region, and the security situation in both the Red Sea and on the border between Israel and Lebanon. General Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Army […]
Hur’s testimony before Congress on Biden’s case
Former special counsel Robert Hur appeared before Congress this week to testify on President Biden’s handling of classified materials. CERL Executive Board member Mark Zaid joined Fox’s LiveNOW to discuss Hur’s conclusions and Biden’s case. Mark S. Zaid, Esq., is a Washington, D.C. based attorney who specializes in crisis management and innovatively handling simple and […]
Tension between privacy and surveillance
On a segment of Australian Broadcasting Corporation, CERL Affiliated Faculty Anita Allen discusses the philosophical underpinnings of privacy and concerns around surveillance in the digital era. Anita L. Allen is the Henry R. Silverman Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She is also a member of […]
Finkelstein addresses antisemitism on U.S. college campuses
CERL Faculty Director Claire Finkelstein spoke on a panel co-sponsored by Touro University and Touro’s Jewish Law Institute about concerns around antisemitism on U.S. college campuses. Teaching students how to have civil conversations is critical, Prof. Finkelstein explained. Claire Finkelstein is the Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy and Faculty Director of […]
Misconceptions about the Israel-Hamas war
In an opinion for the Cipher Brief, CERL Advisory Council member Geoffrey Corn addresses several misconceptions about the Israel-Hamas war, outlining the scope and scale of what is permissible under the right of self-defense, how the conflict differs from a counter-insurgency operation, the tactical challenges of confronting a militant organization that operates among and below […]
SCOTUS ruling in Trump’s ballot case raises concern
CERL’s Claire Finkelstein spoke with Al Jazeera about the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump’s Colorado ballot case, explaining the broader ramifications of their logic. Claire Finkelstein is the Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy and Faculty Director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law. Read her bio here. The views […]
Security developments in the Red Sea
CERL Executive Board member General Joseph Votel spoke with Fox News about security developments in the Red Sea, efforts to deter Houthi attacks, and the challenges of mobilizing broader support in the region. General Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Army (Ret.) is the former Commander of the U.S. Central Command. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow […]
Penalties for U.S. airman Teixeira under the Espionage Act
Sentencing for the case involving U.S. airman Jack Teixeira is scheduled for September 27. CERL Executive Board member Mark Zaid spoke with ClearanceJobs about the sentence and what the penalties may signal to young clearance holders. Mark S. Zaid, Esq., is a Washington, D.C. based attorney who specializes in crisis management and innovatively handling […]
What investigations into the Maine shooter reveal about mental health of veterans
CERL Executive Board member Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen N. Xenakis, MD, commented on the investigations into the deadly shooting in Lewiston, Maine carried out by Army reservist Robert Card. While military evaluations did not indicate mental health concerns, Card’s condition may have evolved quickly, Brig. Gen. Xenakis explains. Brig. Gen. Xenakis is an adult, child, […]
Cyberattacks and the promise of AI
CERL Executive Board member Stuart Gerson discussed the legal dimensions of data breaches, defenses against cyberattacks, and the promise of artificial intelligence for bolstering cybersecurity on an episode of Epstein Becker Green’s podcast, Speaking of Litigation. Stuart Gerson is Member of the Firm at Epstein Becker Green, former Acting Attorney General of the United States, […]
Why a strong partnership with the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service is critical
In a co-authored analysis for the Middle East Institute, CERL Executive Board member General Joseph Votel discusses the strategic importance of maintaining a strong partnership between the U.S. Special Operations Forces and the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS). As the security landscape evolves in the Middle East, it will be critical for the United States to […]
Date set for Trump hush money trial
CERL’s Prof. Claire Finkelstein appeared on Al Jazeera to discuss the Trump hush money trial date that is set for the end of March. It is critical to get the process underway as the 2024 presidential election nears, Prof. Finkelstein explains. Claire Finkelstein is the Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy and […]
Israel’s plan for an offensive in Rafah
CERL Executive Board member General Joseph Votel joined Times Radio to discuss Israel’s plan for an offensive in Rafah, the humanitarian efforts necessary to protect civilians, and the importance of complying with the law of armed conflict. General Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Army (Ret.) is the former Commander of the U.S. Central Command. He is […]