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

Sep 10, 2024

1 min

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.

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James Sample

Professor of Law

Professor Sample regularly comments on voting rights and constitutional issues in leading media outlets.

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Apr 21, 2026

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Professor James Sample Provides National Commentary on Voting Rights, Key Supreme Court Cases

Professor James Sample of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University continued to serve as a prominent national commentator this month, appearing across ABC News, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), SiriusXM, and Newsday to analyze fast-moving developments in election law, constitutional doctrine, and executive power. Across these appearances, Professor Sample focused on the evolving legal and practical implications of the SAVE America Act, including its potential burdens on married voters and broader access concerns. He also examined a series of high-stakes Supreme Court matters, including disputes over mail-in ballot deadlines and the constitutional debate surrounding birthright citizenship, offering insight into how the Court’s rulings could reshape election administration and individual rights. In addition, Professor Sample provided analysis of expanding presidential authority following the Court’s immunity ruling, situating current developments within a broader conversation about the scope and limits of executive power.

Apr 16, 2026

1 min

“With Global Antisemitism Rising, ‘Never Again’ Rings Hollow”

Hofstra Professor of Political Science and Director of the European Studies Program Carolyn Dudek wrote a guest essay for Newsday: “With global antisemitism rising, ‘Never Again’ rings hollow.” Dr. Dudek was awarded the 2024 Jean Monnet Chair to expand research, teaching, and course development on the European Union, with a specific focus on EU anti-discrimination policies that address marginalized groups, such as Jews, Muslims, Roma, women, communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

Apr 14, 2026

1 min

The Political Ripple of Iran at Home

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, provided analysis to Newsday on how national political dynamic are shaping the electoral landscape on Long Island ahead of the midterms. In coverage of the ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran, Levy highlighted the political ripple effects of the conflict at home. While the war itself has prompted debate over national security and economic consequences such as rising gas prices, Levy emphasized its electoral implications, noting that voter perceptions of President Trump’s performance are likely to be the dominant factor in upcoming congressional and state races. He pointed out that even though the president will not be on the ballot, his influence will loom large, particularly among swing voters and segments of the Republican base.