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Calls for Trump Documents Case to be Reassigned to a New Judge

Professor of Constitutional Law James Sample is part of a group seeking to file an amicus brief with the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals, criticizing the Judge Aileen Cannon’s handling of the classified documents case against former President Donald Trump. CNN.com reported that Professor Sample is one of two judicial ethics experts to join a retired federal judge and the government watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, in this effort to reassign the case to a new judge. According to the article, an amicus brief, or “friend of the court” brief, is from someone who is not a party to the case and is merely meant to provide information to the court. It is up to the court how much legal weight — if any at all – is given to an amicus brief. James is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

ExpertSpotlight: Today is Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day on August 26 marks a pivotal moment in history, celebrating the anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s adoption, which granted women the right to vote in the United States. This day is not just a commemoration of past achievements but a call to address the ongoing challenges women face in achieving full equality. From wage gaps and representation in leadership to reproductive rights and gender-based violence, the fight for women’s equality continues to be a crucial issue in today’s society. This topic is significant as it highlights both the progress made and the work still needed to ensure true equality for all women. Key story angles that journalists might explore include: The evolution of women’s rights since the 19th Amendment and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Current challenges women face in the workforce, including wage disparity and underrepresentation in leadership roles. The role of women in politics and the importance of female representation in government. Intersectionality in the women’s rights movement: how race, class, and other identities intersect with gender. The impact of recent legal decisions and legislation on women’s reproductive rights. Celebrations and events surrounding Women’s Equality Day across the country. This alert emphasizes the importance of reflecting on both historical achievements and current challenges, making it a compelling topic for coverage. Connect with an expert about Women’s Equality Day: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com

The History of the Electoral College

As one of the most debated and misunderstood components of American democracy, the Electoral College plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of U.S. presidential elections. Understanding the history and purpose of the Electoral College is essential for grasping how American elections work and why this system continues to generate controversy. This topic is newsworthy not only because of its impact on election results but also due to ongoing discussions about its relevance in a modern democracy, potential reforms, and its influence on campaign strategies. The Electoral College intersects with broader societal issues such as representation, voter equity, and the balance of power between states, which include: The origins of the Electoral College and the Founding Fathers’ intentions How the Electoral College has influenced the outcomes of past presidential elections The ongoing debate over whether the Electoral College should be reformed or abolished The impact of the Electoral College on voter turnout and representation The role of swing states and how they shape campaign strategies Legal challenges and Supreme Court decisions related to the Electoral College Covering the election? Let us help! Connect with a political expert about the History of the Electoral College: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Clay Banks

Hofstra Experts Weigh In on the 2024 Presidential Election

Hofstra University boasts a team of distinguished media-ready experts, ready to talk about the newest developments in the 2024 presidential race. They  include presidential scholar Meena Bose, constitutional law professor James Sample, media expert and former NBC executive Mark Lukasiewicz, and Lawrence Levy, an expert in suburban studies and  suburban voting trends More details on their expertise and recent media appearances are provided below, along with information on how to connect with them for interviews and commentary. Dr Meena Bose Executive Director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency & Professor of Political Science Dr. Meena Bose brings her extensive experience and frequent media  presence to discussions on the historic nature of the 2024 presidential race. Recent topics she has been interviewed about include next steps for the Democrats now that President Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump’s selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate, how the assassination attempt on Trump may have impacted the race, and the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity rulings View Profile & Connect Recent Media Dr. Meena Bose has recently been called on by media to discuss: CNN's Biden-Trump debate; how President Biden may recover from his poor debate performance; and the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling. She has appeared on WABC-TV, WNYW Fox 5, Fox radio stations across the country, and Reuters TV. She is frequently interviewed by Newsday and Newsweek, and her expertise has also been prominently featured in The Washington Post and The New York Times. She is the author of the forthcoming book: Pragmatic Vision: Obama and the Enactment of the Affordable Care Act. James Sample Professor, Maurice A. Deane School of Law James Sample, a constitutional law professor, is a sought-after legal and  political commentator on legal challenges facing former President Donald Trump, Supreme Court ethics, the broader implications of presidential immunity, and the guilty verdict delivered in the Senator Robert Menendez trial. He most recently was interviewed about President Biden leaving the race and throwing his support behind VP Kamala Harris. View Profile & Connect Recent Media James Sample is a regular commentator for Reuters, CNN, CBS, WNYW Fox 5, and WCBS on topics like the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity; ethics questions facing Supreme Court Justices Alito and Thomas; former President Donald Trump’s legal challenges, including the election interference case and the “Hush Money” trial. In addition to his broadcast media interviews, Professor Sample has been interviewed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, U.S. News & World Report, the Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, Salon, USA Today, and The National Law Journal, as well as in leading blogs and regional outlets throughout the country. Mark Lukasiewicz Dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Mark Lukasiewicz offers his expertise on media coverage of the presidential race, drawing on his vast experience in planning and supervising election coverage. Before joining Hofstra, Dean Lukasiewicz was senior vice president of specials at NBC News, planning and supervising coverage of major breaking news events, including presidential elections and debates from 2004 to 2016. View Profile & Connect Recent Media A former NBC executive, Dean Lukasiewicz is available to speak about media coverage of the 2024 presidential race. Recent examples include the June 27th debate and expectations for President Biden’s interview on July 5 with George Stephanopoulos. Before joining Hofstra, Dean Lukasiewicz was senior vice president of specials at NBC News, planning and supervising coverage of major breaking news events, including presidential elections and debates from 2004 to 2016. He has been interviewed in recent weeks by the Wall Street Journal, Newsday, Tribune News Service, Scripps Morning News, and the AP. Lawrence Levy  Associate Vice President and Executive Dean of the National Center for Surburban Studies (NCSS) In his leadership role at NCSS, Dean Levy has worked with Hofstra's  academic and local communities to shape an innovative, interdisciplinary agenda for interdisciplinary suburban study. He has commented on a variety of political issues – most recently President Biden dropping his reelection bid and what that means for down-ballot elections.  View Profile & Connect Recent Media Prior to joining Hofstra, Dean Levy spent 35 years as a reporter, editorial writer, columnist and PBS host, winning many of journalism's top awards (including Pulitzer finalist) for in-depth works on suburban politics, education, taxation, housing and other key issues. As a journalist, he was known for blending national trends and local perspectives and has covered seven presidential campaigns and 15 national conventions. Visit our Expert Center for a full directory of Hofstra experts insights.

#ExpertSpotlight: Who is Julian Assange?

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital information and cybersecurity, Julian Assange stands as a central figure, symbolizing the complex intersection of transparency, secrecy, and journalism in the modern world. This topic is not only newsworthy because of Assange’s controversial role in founding WikiLeaks and exposing classified information, but also due to the profound implications his actions have had on national security, international relations, and the ethics of journalism. Furthermore, Assange's ongoing legal battles and the broader debates they spark about freedom of speech, whistleblower protections, and government accountability are crucial for understanding the dynamics of information control in contemporary society. The story of Julian Assange offers multiple angles of interest, including: The Genesis of WikiLeaks: Exploring the foundation and mission of WikiLeaks, and how it has changed the landscape of journalism and whistleblowing. Major Leaks and Their Impact: Analyzing significant leaks published by WikiLeaks, such as the Iraq War Logs and the diplomatic cables, and their impact on global politics and public opinion. Legal Battles and Extradition: Investigating Assange’s legal challenges, including the charges against him, the extradition process, and the implications for international law and human rights. Freedom of Speech vs. National Security: Examining the debates surrounding Assange's actions, balancing the right to information with concerns over national security and the protection of sensitive information. Role of Journalism in the Digital Age: Discussing the ethical considerations and responsibilities of journalists and media organizations in handling leaked information. Assange’s Personal Journey: Delving into Assange’s personal life, his motivations, and the psychological and physical toll of his prolonged legal and diplomatic battles. The life and actions of Julian Assange provide journalists with a wealth of storylines that illuminate the complex and often contentious relationship between transparency, security, and the right to know in the digital age. Connect with an Expert about Julian Assange : Keith Werhan Professor Emeritus · Tulane University School of Law Samantha Bradshaw Doctor of Philosophy Candidate · Oxford Internet Institute Michael Moreland, JD, PhD University Professor of Law and Religion; Director, Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy | Charles Widger School of Law · Villanova University Craig Albert, PhD Professor of Political Science and Graduate Director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies · Augusta University Michael S. Rogers Senior Advisor, Washington, D.C. · Brunswick Group Robert Anderson National Security Consultant & Intelligence Analyst · Altadena Group To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Markus Spiske

Sunday is the anniversary of Brexit - We're here with expert insights if you're covering

The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, stands as one of the most significant geopolitical events of the 21st century. This topic matters to the public because it encompasses profound implications for international trade, immigration, legal frameworks, and political alliances. The ripple effects of Brexit are felt not only within the UK and the EU but also globally, making it a critical issue for journalists to cover. Brexit's impact spans numerous sectors and societal issues, providing a wealth of story angles, including: The economic impact of Brexit on the UK, EU, and global markets Changes in immigration policies and their effects on individuals and industries The evolving political landscape in the UK, including the rise of nationalism and regional independence movements The legal challenges and adaptations post-Brexit, particularly concerning trade agreements and regulatory standards The social and cultural consequences of Brexit, including shifts in public opinion and societal division The future of UK-EU relations and their broader implications for international diplomacy and cooperation As we continue to navigate the complexities of Brexit, journalists have the opportunity to explore these diverse and critical narratives, offering in-depth insights into the ongoing and far-reaching impacts of this historic event. Connect with an Expert about Brexit: Dr David Lowe Senior Research Fellow · Leeds Beckett University Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo Senior Lecturer, Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship · Aston University Dr Patrycja Rozbicka Senior Lecturer · Aston University Dr Jo Michell Associate Professor of Economics · UWE Bristol Patrick L Young Executive Director · Derivatives Vision To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Rocco Dipoppa

Aston University researcher develops method of making lengthy privacy notices easier to understand

It has been estimated it would take 76 days per year to fully read privacy notices New method makes notices quicker and easier to understand by converting them into machine-readable formats Team designed a JavaScript Object Notation schema which allowed them to validate, annotate, and manipulate documents. An Aston University researcher has suggested a more human-friendly way of reading websites’ long-winded privacy notices. A team led by Dr Vitor Jesus has developed a system of making them quicker and easier to understand by converting them into machine-readable formats. This technique could allow the browser to guide the user through the document with recommendations or highlights of key points. Providing privacy information is one of the key requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data protection Act but trawling through them can be a tedious manual process. In 2012, The Atlantic magazine estimated it would take 76 days per year to diligently read privacy notices. Privacy notices let people know what is being done with their data, how it will be kept safe if it’s shared with anyone else and what will happen to it when it’s no longer needed. However, the documents are written in non-computer, often legal language, so in the paper Feasibility of Structured, Machine-Readable Privacy Notices Dr Jesus and his team explored the feasibility of representing privacy notices in a machine-readable format. Dr Jesus said: “The notices are essential to keep the public informed and data controllers accountable, however they inherit a pragmatism that was designed for different contexts such as software licences or to meet the - perhaps not always necessary - verbose completeness of a legal contract. “And there are further challenges concerning updates to notices, another requirement by law, and these are often communicated off-band e.g., by email if a user account exists.” Between August and September 2022, the team examined the privacy notices of 50 of the UK’s most popular websites, from globally organisation such as google.com to UK sites such as john-lewis.com. They covered a number of areas such as online services, news and fashion to be representative. The researchers manually identified the notices’ apparent structure and noted commonly-themed sections, then designed a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema which allowed them to validate, annotate, and manipulate documents. After identifying an overall potential structure, they revisited each notice to convert them into a format that was machine readable but didn’t compromise both legal compliance and the rights of individuals. Although there has been previous work to tackle the same problem, the Aston University team focused primarily on automating the policies rather than data collection and processing. Dr Jesus, who is based at the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences said: “Our research paper offers a novel approach to the long-standing problem of the interface of humans and online privacy notices. “As literature and practice, and even art, for more than a decade have identified, privacy notices are nearly always ignored and ”accepted” with little thought, mostly because it is not practical nor user-friendly to depend on reading a long text simply to access, for example a news website. Nevertheless, privacy notices are a central element in our digital lives, often mandated by law, and with dire, often invisible, consequences.” The paper was published and won best paper at the International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing, November 2023, now indexed at IEEE Xplore. The team are now examining if AI can be used to further speed up the process by providing recommendations to the user, based on past preferences.

Need to know more about the importance of Miranda Rights? Our experts are here to help

The anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which established the Miranda Rights, is a pivotal moment in American legal history. This ruling, which ensures that individuals are informed of their rights during an arrest, has profound implications for the criminal justice system, civil liberties, and police procedures. The importance of Miranda Rights remains a relevant and critical topic, especially in discussions about law enforcement practices and legal protections. Understanding the impact of this decision helps to illuminate broader issues of justice and rights in the United States. Key story angles include: Historical Context and Significance: Exploring the background of the Miranda v. Arizona case, its significance at the time, and its long-term effects on the criminal justice system. Impact on Law Enforcement: Analyzing how the Miranda ruling has changed police procedures, training, and accountability measures. Civil Liberties and Legal Protections: Investigating the role of Miranda Rights in protecting individual freedoms and ensuring fair treatment under the law. Contemporary Legal Challenges: Discussing ongoing legal debates and challenges related to Miranda Rights, including Supreme Court interpretations and potential reforms. Public Awareness and Education: Examining efforts to educate the public about their rights during interactions with law enforcement and the importance of knowing one's rights. Personal Stories and Case Studies: Sharing stories of individuals whose cases were affected by Miranda Rights, highlighting the human impact of this legal protection. These angles provide journalists with a comprehensive framework to explore the historical significance and enduring impact of Miranda Rights on the American legal landscape. Connect with an Expert about the importance of Miranda Rights: Christopher Smith Professor of Criminal Justice · Michigan State University Patricia Wilson, J.D. Associate Dean & Professor of Law · Baylor Law School Stephen Griffin W.R. Irby Chair and Rutledge C. Clement Jr. Professor in Constitutional Law · Tulane University Julian Ku Professor of Law and Interim Dean · Hofstra University Ganesh Sitaraman New York Alumni Chancellor's Chair in Law · Vanderbilt University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Claire Anderson

Today is the Anniversary of the approval of the 19th Amendment. Let our experts help with your stories.

The anniversary of the approval of the 19th Amendment marks a pivotal moment in history when women in the United States were granted the right to vote, symbolizing a major victory in the women's suffrage movement. This event is newsworthy because it represents a fundamental shift towards gender equality and has had profound implications for democratic participation and women's rights. Celebrating this milestone also provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing struggles for gender equity. Key story angles include: Historical Context: Exploring the history and significance of the women's suffrage movement and the efforts leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Impact on Women's Political Participation: Analyzing how the 19th Amendment has shaped women's involvement in politics and governance over the past century. Contemporary Gender Equality Issues: Investigating current challenges in achieving gender equality in various sectors, including the workplace, education, and politics. Role of Women in Social Movements: Highlighting the contributions of women to various social justice movements and their leadership in advocating for change. Legal and Policy Developments: Reviewing significant legal and policy changes since the 19th Amendment that have advanced or hindered women's rights. Global Perspective: Comparing the women's suffrage movement in the United States with similar movements around the world and their respective impacts on global gender equality. Connect with an Expert about the 19th Amendment and the women's suffrage movement : Carla Bittel Professor of History · Loyola Marymount University Kathy Roberts Forde Professor of Journalism · University of Massachusetts Amherst Catherine Cerulli Director, Susan B. Anthony Center · University of Rochester Christopher M. Curtis Professor of History · Georgia Southern University Mary Anne Trasciatti Professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric · Hofstra University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Library of Congress

It's Pride Month - We have experts who can help with all your coverage.

Pride Month stands as a vital commemoration of the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing fight for equality, acceptance, and visibility. Rooted in the historic Stonewall Riots of 1969, Pride Month not only celebrates the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights but also highlights the persistent struggles faced by the community. This topic is newsworthy due to its significant social, cultural, and political implications, reflecting broader societal issues of human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Furthermore, Pride Month's impact on public discourse, policy changes, and cultural awareness underscores its relevance. Key story angles include: The Evolution of Pride: Tracing the history of Pride Month from the Stonewall Riots to its current global celebrations, and its role in shaping LGBTQ+ rights. Intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ Community: Exploring the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. Policy and Legal Milestones: Reviewing significant legal and policy advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing legislative battles. Corporate and Community Engagement: Analyzing how businesses and local communities are participating in Pride Month, including corporate responsibility and support for LGBTQ+ causes. Media Representation: Investigating the portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and entertainment, and its impact on public perception and acceptance. Mental Health and Well-being: Discussing the mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community and the resources available to support them. Connect with an Expert about the History of Pride Month: Margaret Galvan Assistant Professor · University of Florida Genny Beemyn Director of The Stonewall Center · University of Massachusetts Amherst Melanie Wilcox, PhD Assistant Professor and Researcher · Department of Psychological Sciences, the Institute of Public and Preventive Health, and the Department of Psychiatry · Augusta University Emily Fisher Professor · Loyola Marymount University Ryan J. Watson, Ph.D. Ryan J. Watson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies · University of Connecticut To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Sara Rampazzo