Lawyer 2 Lawyer - Law News And Legal Topics

On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams discuss Serial and the case it made famous with three attorneys: Director of Investigation for University of Virginia School of Law's Innocence Project Clinic Deirdre Enright, featured on episodes 7 and 12 of Serial and currently working on Adnan's appeal, Erica Zunkel from the Federal Criminal Justice Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School, and Markus Kypreos from the Fort Worth civil litigation firm Pennington Hill. Together, they analyze the case against Adnan from both sides, offering expert insight on criminal defense and prosecution, the testimony of Jay Wilds, and the portrayal of this case on Serial, all while tackling some of the tougher questions raised regarding DNA evidence, potential alibis, shaky timelines, and the overall defense strategy. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clio.

In this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Bob Ambrogi interviews Elliot Fineman from the National Gun Victims Action Council, Charles Heller from Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, and Professor Nicholas Johnson from Fordham University School of Law. Together they discuss the merits of this case, the Second Amendment, and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Tune in to hear outcome predictions as well as debates regarding self-defense and gun control. Where do you stand on the ownership of firearms and how responsible should companies be for the actions of others?

In December 2014, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released its study on the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program. Among the many infractions alleged were unlawful torture, coverups, wrongful detention, and unauthorized dissemination of classified information. Since its release, there have been many critics of that report including the Senate Republican Minority, former Vice-President Dick Cheney, the CIA, and its former directors. In this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Bob Ambrogi interviews Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) attorney Professor Mark Denbeaux, Project 21 Chair Horace Cooper, and Cato Institute Policy Analyst Patrick Eddington. Together, they discuss the legalities of enhanced interrogation, whether or not it's effective, and the morality of its use in the theatre of war. Professor Mark P. Denbeaux is the director of the Seton Hall Law School Center for Policy and Research, which is best known for its distribution of the internationally recognized series of reports on the Guantanamo Bay D

On December 2, 2013, the first ever lawsuit on behalf of captive chimpanzees was filed in the New York Supreme Court. The objective of that lawsuit was to grant Tommy (a chimpanzee) bodily freedom through a common law writ of habeas corpus. Since then, two similar lawsuits have been filed. Leading the charge in all three actions is world-renowned animal rights lawyer Steven M. Wise from the Nonhuman Rights Project. In this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams welcomes back Mr. Wise to discuss the legal theories behind his cases as well as other animals that could potentially benefit. Tune in to hear why Steven is not deterred by the recent loss in Tommy's appeal and the difference between legal personhood and being human. To hear more from Steven M. Wise on this topic, please listen to "Should a Chimpanzee Have Human Rights?" which was recorded before Tommy's case was filed. Steven M. Wise is the president of the Nonhuman Rights Project and has been practicing animal protection law nationwide fo

On November 20, President Obama announced his intention to execute an Executive Order potentially offering deferred deportation for nearly five million illegal immigrants. Since that time, opposing forces have challenged the constitutionality of such actions. Perhaps the most significant challenge is a federal lawsuit filed by nearly 20 states. In it, they allege violations of Article 2 Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution as well as the Administrative Procedure Act. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams interviews former United States Senator Byron Dorgan and current New Mexico State Senator Steven Neville. Also participating by pre-recorded interview is current Texas State Senator Jose Rodriguez. Together, they discuss the constitutionality of President Obama's recent actions on immigration as well as the viability of the federal suit filed by the various states. Tune in to hear opposing views on the separation of families, burdens on the social welfare system, and Deferred Action for Chi

On the coattails of presidential support and possible regulations from the Federal Communications Commission, Net Neutrality makes its way back into public debate. Proponents claim it will keep the internet a level playing field while opponents believe the opposite. One side worries about oppressive corporations while the other is concerned about oppressive government. Not surprisingly, opinions for or against tend to follow political party lines. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams interviews Chris Fedeli from Judicial Watch and Professor Jonathan Askin from Brooklyn Law School. Together they discuss the meaning of net neutrality, the pros and cons of regulating, and what it takes to keep the internet innovative. Tune in to hear about free market principles, consumer protection, and data packet discrimination. Chris Fedeli is a senior attorney with Judicial Watch where he has litigated multiple cases in state and federal courts concerning election integrity, ballot initiatives and refe

Federal and State governing authorities have the power to quarantine an individual under the suspicion that person has Ebola and could possibly spread it to others. But what if the government is wrong? Is there redress for people held against their will? It might surprise you that your civil liberties can be subjugated for the common good. In this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams interview Gary Phelan from Mitchell and Sheahan, P.C. and Professor John Thomas from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Together they discuss balancing tests that allow both Federal and State governments to quarantine individuals as well the possible criminal and tort liabilities for people who knowingly, recklessly, or through negligence infect others. Tune in to hear more about the power given to the Executive Branch, Governmental Immunity from suit, and International Health Regulations from the World Health Organization. Gary Phelan is a shareholder at Mitchell and Sheahan, P.C. where he repres

Having started their tenth year in podcasting, Lawyer 2 Lawyer hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams take time to reflect upon on past shows, guests, and favorite moments. In an exchange of roles, Bob and Craig are interviewed by their very first guest, Michael S. Greco from K and L Gates LLP, who was the President of the American Bar Association and originally joined the show to talk about his initiatives. Tune in to hear about how our hosts got started in law, who wins "Name That Guest," favorite shows of 2014, as well as bloopers and theme songs. Thank you to all of our listeners over the years. We hope you enjoy this episode. Michael S. Greco is currently Of-counsel at K and L Gates LLP an international law firm that's 2,000 attorneys strong and represents large business interests. He is a commercial litigator, arbitrator, mediator, and appellate lawyer with more than 40 years of experience in resolving complex business issues and other disputes throughout the United States and internationally. In addit

Imagine being 20 years old and being investigated for a murder you didn't commit. Would you know what to say or do? Failure to react correctly could cost you a lifetime in prison. Sound far-fetched? It might surprise you to learn that it happens more often than we think, and for somewhat predictable reasons. In this special edition of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams interviews William Michael Dillon, a man who spent nearly 30 years behind bars in one of the country's most dangerous prisons for a crime he did not commit, and Seth Miller, one of the attorneys who helped overturn his conviction. Tune in to hear how false confessions, eyewitness misidentification, and corrupt jail-house snitches are costing innocent people their freedom, and learn why William isn't angry today and how finding a voice through writing music helped him find hope. William Dillon served 27 years and 8 months of a life sentence for a murder he did not commit. The State of Florida released him in 2008 when DNA testing proved he

Famed legal writer John Grisham calls them Rainmakers. We've celebrated their legendary victories in cinematic works such as "A Civil Action" and "Erin Brockovich." In Hollywood, these plaintiffs attorneys are often portrayed as Davids to their opposing Goliaths of corrupt industry. But who are they in real life? In this special edition of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams interview titans of the courtroom Mike Papantonio, Howard Nations, Thomas Girardi, and Fred Levin. In the first segment of this show, they reveal their most respected defense counsel, discuss the traits of successful trial attorneys, as well as evaluate the contingency fee model. In the second segment, Bob and Craig interview Fred Levin about his new biography which covers his very colorful life and career. Tune in to hear about his victories and his defeats. Mike Papantonio was instrumental in the creation of The Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. In addition to being a senior partner at Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell,

Worker groups around the country are demonstrating for the purpose of increasing the minimum wage while experts and policy makers debate the effect of such change. Proponents say a higher minimum wage helps low-skilled workers and boosts the economy. Opponents say increasing the minimum wage decreases employment and raises the cost of living. In this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams interview Dr. Antony Davies from George Mason University and Dr. David Madland from American Progress. Together they discuss discuss economic and social principles associated with the minimum wage as well as who ultimately ends up paying for it. Tune in to learn more about the effects on fixed incomes, morale of workers, and quality of work. Dr. Antony Davies is an associate professor of economics at Duquesne University and a Mercatus Affiliated Senior Scholar at George Mason University. His primary research interests include econometrics and public policy. Davies has authored over 100 op-eds in

In recent news, there have been several instances of demonstrations and riots resulting from allegations of police brutality. In cities like New York and Ferguson, there are many accounts and view points but there is still much to debate about the facts. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Bob Ambrogi interviews Amy Goodman from Democracy Now! and Sgt. Delroy Burton from DC Police Union. Together they discuss the perceptions and procedures of police as they use force to make arrests. Tune in to hear about why citizens shouldn't resist arrests as well as opinions about the use of military equipment for police work. Amy Goodman is the host and executive producer of the award winning show Democracy Now! which airs on over 1,200 public television and radio stations worldwide. In addition, she has authored many best selling books including The Silenced Majority: Stories of Uprisings, Occupations, Resistance, and Hope. Ms. Goodman is the recipient of many prestigious awards such as the Right Livelihood Award,

The Eighth Amendment protects people from cruel and unusual punishments in the United States but what does that mean? In the last 38 years, Americans used hangings, gas chambers, lethal injections, electrocutions, and firing squads to execute convicted murderers. Given the recent reports of botched lethal injections, some experts are calling for the return of the firing squad as the most humane form of capital punishment. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams interviews Judge Alex Kozinski from the United States Court of Appeals for The Ninth Circuit, exonerated death row survivor Ronald Keine from Witness to Innocence, and M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell from Death Penalty Focus. Together they discuss the merits of firing squads vs. lethal injections, corruption in the judicial system, and the morality of western society. Tune in to hear about the 144 exonerated death row survivors as well as Ronald Keine's near miss with the gas chamber. Judge Alex Kozinski sits on the bench of the United St

Although still illegal everywhere in the United States under federal law, Colorado and Washington have decided not to prosecute marijuana use or production at the state level. Despite this lack of enforcement, women who use marijuana during their pregnancies are being charged with child abuse shortly after giving birth. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams interview Sabrina Fendrick from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and Carla Lowe from Citizens Against Legalizing Marijuana. Together they discuss conflicting studies and beliefs regarding the benefits, harms, and prohibition of marijuana. Tune in to learn more about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome as well as the differences between THC, tobacco, and alcohol for pregnant women. Sabrina Fendrick currently serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for NORML the Washington DC-based National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. In 2010, she founded the NORML

On July 1st a new law took effect in Tennessee that allows prosecutors to pursue criminal assault charges if the mother uses illegal drugs during pregnancy. Although it had widespread bipartisan support and is designed to fight Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, some believe it to be an unconstitutional infraction on privacy, equal protection, and due process. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams interviews Tennessee House Representative Mike Carter and Legal Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee Thomas Castelli. Together they discuss maximum penalties, the law's effect on demographics, and treatment based defenses to punishment. Tune in to hear why the Tennessee General Assembly believes this law is their only option and the reasons the ACLU is fighting it. Thomas H. Castelli is the Legal Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee. Prior to joining the ACLU, he provided litigation counsel to businesses and law firms with Counsel on Call and was a foun

The Supreme Court's recent decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby invokes passionate debates and fiery discourse. At the spearhead of exchange are questions about reproductive, First Amendment, and healthcare rights. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Bob Ambrogi brings light to these issues along with Emily Martin from the National Women's Law Center and Elizabeth Slattery from the Heritage Foundation. Together they discuss the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act vs. invoking a Constitutional argument centered around the First Amendment. Tune in to learn more about the 4 debated methods of contraception, Justice Ginsburg's dissent, and religious rights of corporations. Emily Martin is the Vice President and General Counsel at the National Women's Law Center, where she undertakes cross-cutting projects addressing women's health, economic security, and education and employment opportunities. Prior to joining the Center, Ms. Martin served as Deputy Director of the Women's Rights Project at th

Since 2009, the number of unaccompanied minors apprehended crossing the U.S. border has sharply increased. The journey for these children is long, expensive, and dangerous. What is the cause of this sudden influx of young immigrants? On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams interview Alex Nowrasteh from the Cato Institute and Elizabeth Dallam from Kids in Need of Defense (otherwise known as KIND). Together they discuss the immigration numbers, reasons for seeking asylum, and suggested policy changes. Tune in to learn how immigration is affected by Central American gangs and the War on Drugs. Alex Nowrasteh is the immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity. Previously he was the immigration policy analyst at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Among many publications, his work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, and Boston Globe. He has appeared on Fox News and numerous television and radio stations ac

Imagine a computer thousands of miles away recognizing you in a camera at an intersection. Furthermore, consider being tracked and monitored from your home to your place of work every day. Facial recognition technology makes this type of identification possible and it is being rapidly developed for country defense and law enforcement purposes. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host J. Craig Williams interviews Ed Tivol from EWA, Government Systems, Inc. and Jennifer Lynch from Electronic Frontier Foundation. Together, they discuss the paradox of security vs. privacy when it comes to biometric modes of identification. In addition, they deliberate on how this data is being collected, who is collecting it, and for what purpose. Tune in to hear about your evolving First and Fourth Amendment Rights in the face of national security, crime prevention, and the private sector. Jennifer Lynch is a Senior Staff Attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation and works on open government, transparency, and privacy iss

May 17th, 2014 marked the 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court Decision that held state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students as unconstitutional because they violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Today, some six decades later, many parents and teachers are still worried that America's children are not receiving equal access to education envisioned in that case. On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, hosts Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams shed light on this issue with guests Christian D'Andrea from the MacIver Institute and Kyle Serrette from The Center for Popular Democracy. Together they discuss private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling vs. the community school model. Tune in to learn more about funding concerns, oversight issues, and the proper role of teachers unions in the school choice debate. Christian D'Andrea is an Education Policy Analyst with the John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy in Madiso

On May 5th 2014, the Supreme Court decided Greece v. Galloway, a landmark case about the right of prayer in government assemblies. Both sides of the argument invoked the First Amendment to make their case, but who is right and why? On this episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, host Bob Ambrogi brings this issue to the forefront with opposing counsels Douglas Laycock, for the respondents, and David Cortman, for the petitioner. Together, they discuss the relative merits of their cases, the endorsement test, and the coercion test. Tune in to hear more about the future of legislative prayer and your First Amendment rights. Professor Douglas Laycock is a Robert E. Scott Distinguished Professor of Law Professor of Religious Studies at University of Virginia School of Law and one of the nation's leading authorities on the law of religious liberty. In addition to teaching for over 30 years, Professor Laycock has testified frequently before Congress and has argued many cases in the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Prof