USC Gould School of Law

December 14, 2005

Fox News

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed on "The Big Story" about President Bush's tax advisory panel recommendation to cut back the home mortgage interest tax deduction allowance. Garrett, who served on the panel, said: "The press has been portraying this as [if] we're getting rid of the home mortgage interest deduction," Garrett said. "They haven't said we're replacing it with a tax credit that's fairer, that is a better use of the money, and that targets it to the people who most need it."

December 13, 2005

KFI-AM

Prof. Jody Armour discussed the "black tax” - the price blacks and other minorities pay daily because of racial stereotypes. Armour was interviewed on the "Jim Cramer Show" and on the "Larry Elders Show."

December 13, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Jody Armour was quoted in a story about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision not to grant clemency to Stanley "Tookie" Williams. "[T]here is nothing in the tone of the governor's decision that suggests it was a close call or agonized over," Armour said. The Chicago Tribune also quoted Armour in a widely-carried story about the governor's decision. "It would have been an act of great political will to grant clemency," he said.

December 13, 2005

KPCC-FM

Profs. Michael Brennan and Kareem Crayton were interviewed about the execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams. In another radio interview, Brennan was one of several Gould School faculty members appearing on KFWB-AM discussing the execution. David Cruz, Jody Armour and Jean Rosenbluth also appeared.

December 13, 2005

Metro Radio Networks

Prof. Michael Brennan discussed the fate of Stanley "Tookie" Williams, who is facing the death penalty. Brennan talked about the likelihood of Williams receiving clemency from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and what Williams' defense team needs to do.

December 13, 2005

The Associated Press

Prof. Kareem Crayton was quoted in a widely-distributed story about debate among Republicans over Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision not to commute the death sentence of Stanley "Tookie" Williams. "It's just one more case in which he's found himself in a difficult position...For somebody who already is in a politically weak position, it's a case of avoiding doing extra harm," Crayton said. "It doesn't salvage his credibility among Republicans."

December 13, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Profs. Jean Rosenbluth and Jody Armour were quoted in a story about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision denying clemency to Stanley Williams. "Clemency is forgiveness. It's hard to do if you don't admit what you did," Rosenbluth said. "The timing of this is not great for Stanley Williams. The governor has to be careful and make sure his re-election chances are not diminished." Armour added: "For the most part, governors, being political animals, take the political pulse. It was a politically unpopular defendant in this case." BBC News, Cox News Service, the Bakersfield Californian and the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shinbun also interviewed Rosenbluth.

December 12, 2005

People

Associate Dean Scott Altman was quoted in a story about Brad Pitt's decision to adopt Angelina Jolie's children. Altman said that Pitt and Jolie do not have to be married to adopt, “but legally they are announcing a long-term commitment.”

December 12, 2005

BBC Radio

Profs. Jody Armour and Jean Rosenbluth appeared on the shows "P.M.," "Five Live," and "Law in Action" speaking about the execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams.

December 12, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Michael Shapiro was quoted in a story about possible legal liabilities faced by UC Irvine after the government stripped the certification of the university hospital's liver transplant program. "It is implicit that the transplant facility has the capacity to do transplants," Shapiro said. "The average patient, quite likely, doesn't expect its surgeon and surgical team to be affirmatively defrauding him."

December 6, 2005

NBC News

Prof. Jody Armour was interviewed on the "Today Show" about a class-action lawsuit filed against Dr. Phil McGraw over a line of diet products he once endorsed. "Dr. Phil can't afford a trial in this case because much of his career has been based on the kind of trust and confidence that he's built up in his viewers," Armour said. "And this case goes to the heart of that trust and confidence."

December 6, 2005

Metro Radio Networks

Prof. Michael Brennan discussed the fate of Stanley "Tookie" Williams, who is facing the death penalty. Brennan talked about the likelihood of Williams receiving clemency from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and what his defense team needs to do to receive clemency.

December 5, 2005

People

Prof. Edward McCaffery was quoted in an article about a legal battle involving the Herbalife fortune and its 13-year-old heir. McCaffery noted that a judge might allow for a custodial account containing approximately $35 million of the estimated $400 million fortune to be tapped prior to the boy reaching the age of 35, at which time he would inherit the entire fortune. "It comes down to the language 'use and benefit,' " said McCaffery.

December 1, 2005

KFI-Radio

Prof. Jody Armour discussed the "black tax" – the price blacks and other minorities pay daily because of racial stereotypes. Armour appeared on the "Jim Cramer Show" and on the "Larry Elders Show."

December 1, 2005

The Associated Press

Prof. John Matsusaka of the USC Initiative and Referendum Institute was quoted in an article on the political situation in Ohio, where voters will face several ballot initiatives next fall. Despite the fact that Ohio voters rejected several initiatives this year, Matsusaka said important referendum issues – such as taxes, casino gambling and indoor smoking regulations – still may prove compelling. "Voters seem to be able to push through these things," Matsusaka said.

December 1, 2005

German Public Radio

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was interviewed about whether Stanley "Tookie" Williams, who is facing the death penalty, was likely to get clemency from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rosenbluth predicted that Schwarzenegger, who just suffered a resounding defeat in the special election, would not grant it. Rosenbluth said it would be difficult to grant Williams clemency since he hasn't taken responsibility for or expressed remorse for his crimes.

November 24, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Charles Whitebread was quoted in a story about a controversial opinion Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito made as an appellate court judge. Democrats contend that Alito "condoned the strip-search of a 10-year-old," while others called this charge a distortion of the truth. Alito wrote a dissent in the case that interpreted a specific search warrant as authorizing the search of "any persons found on the premises" of a suspected drug dealer. "The Supreme Court has been a stickler for saying the warrant must state on its face who is to be searched," Whitebread said. "If the warrant itself did not say they can search all the occupants, it could not permit searching them."

November 23, 2005

KCET-TV

Prof. Edward McCaffery was interviewed on "Life & Times" about the possibility that All Saints Church in Pasadena could lose its tax-exempt status because a clergyman made an anti-war speech before the 2004 presidential election. He was also interviewed on Fox World News about the same matter.

November 22, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle

Prof. John Matsusaka, president of the USC Initiative and Referendum Institute, was quoted about Proposition 76, which would put a spending cap on the state budget. Matsusaka said the cap would not necessarily limit spending in good years but would provide for limits during lean years.

November 20, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Jody Armour wrote an op-ed about what he calls the "black tax," or the price blacks and other minorities pay daily because of racial stereotypes. "[The black tax] falls on poor minorities in the redlining - charging higher prices - in their neighborhoods by services ranging from banking to pizza delivery; in the greater exposure to environmental toxins, and in the greater concentration of crumbling schools and hospitals," Armour wrote.

November 17, 2005

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Prof. Gregory Keating was quoted in a story about a personal injury lawsuit that alleged that Aerojet violated state law and environmental regulations by mixing hazardous wastes and then openly burning them without any pollution controls. Even though Aeroject paid to settle the claim, Keating said the settlement’s message will depend on the terms. "If they had to pay a lot of damages or pay a lot for cleanup, it's supposed to be an incentive for them to avoid this kind of contamination in the future," Keating said.

November 15, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. John Matsusaka of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC was quoted in a story about whether Americans seem willing to pay more taxes and have a larger government. "It looks like that to me," Matsusaka said. "The public sector did a lot of belt-tightening during the last recession, and the public now appears to be letting it out a few notches."

November 15, 2005

San Diego Business Journal

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about an $8-billion class action lawsuit against Sempra Energy. The outcome of the trial hinges on whether the jury finds actions by executives "nefarious" or "judicious." "If a jury is confused at any particular moment, it doesn't matter," Rosenbluth said. "What matters is what they think when they go into the jury room to begin deliberations."

November 14, 2005

Time Magazine

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the results of the California special election. Voters rejected all of the propositions on the ballot, including four government reform measures backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. "He is facing a very tough year," Garrett said. "As a Republican governor with a Democratic legislature, it will be very hard to reach any compromise, they won't want to give him anything in a pre-election year. And voters aren't in a forgiving mood."

November 11, 2005

Knight Rider

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Tuesday's California special election results. A failure to pass the ballot initiatives supported by Gov. Schwarzenegger has damaged his populist image, she said. "It means that, Wednesday morning, he is an ordinary Republican governor working with a Democratic Legislature in California -- no stronger, no weaker," Garrett said.

November 11, 2005

The Sacramento Bee

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Californian voters' willingness to vote "No" on ballot initiatives. Garrett commented on Proposition 77, which would have changed the redistricting process if it had passed. "It's very hard to explain why redistricting reform is important and how it will concretely affect [voters'] lives," Garrett said. The article also cited statistics from the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USCthat indicate state voters reject 65 percent of initiatives placed on the ballot by anyone other than the legislature.

November 11, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Michael Shapiro was quoted in a story about the unfolding controversy regarding liver transplants at UC Irvine Medical Center. The Times recently reported that 30 people died awaiting transplants while the hospital turned down viable organs. "If I were the principals at UCI, I would be very afraid," Shapiro said. "This is a lot worse than what happened in the fertility scandal. If you decided you're going to turn down dozens of livers, you tell the patients so they can go someplace else."

November 10, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger needs to do to successfully govern after all of his ballot initiatives failed Tuesday. 'He needs to re-establish his connection with the people and push real reform through the traditional governing process,' Garrett said. 'This is the really important moment -- the pivotal moment of his political career.' This story by The Associated Press was carried widely.

November 10, 2005

The Wall Street Journal

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was featured in a column about Proposition 77, the redistricting reform measure that failed Tuesday. The columnist cited a radio news interview with Garrett, who said that the reform would have brought more pragmatists into office.

November 10, 2005

Christian Science Monitor

Profs. Elizabeth Garrett, Kareem Crayton and John Matsusaka were quoted in a story that suggested both political parties in California will now have to work together to solve problems after all eight ballot measures failed in Tuesday's election. "We've just had the most expensive [initiative] election in state history and not solved anything," Matsusaka said. Garrett added: "I am not optimistic in both sides' ability to reach across the aisle and achieve the compromises they need to solve budget problems that they have so far only postponed with short-term fixes." Crayton said that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must take action. "Arnold is going to have to figure out a way to say 'I get the message, I've taken my licks, and am going to try to turn over a new leaf,'" Crayton said.

November 9, 2005

Bloomberg

Prof. John Matsusaka of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC was quoted in a story about how 15 of 18 ballot initiatives across the country failed Tuesday. "Historically, citizen's measures pass at about a rate of one-third. So we're looking at way below that," Matsusaka said. "Surveys show that voters approve of this process. But not these issues, apparently." Matsusaka also was quoted in a Press Enterprise story about the election results.

November 9, 2005

KGO-AM

Prof. John Matsusaka of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC and Prof. Kareem Crayton were interviewed on the "Pete Wilson Show" about the California special election.

November 8, 2005

Bloomberg

Prof. John Matsusaka of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC was quoted in a story about election day. Voters in seven states voted Nov. 8 on ballot measures. "Increasingly, this is how people are seeking to get reforms done,' Matsusaka said. Matsusaka also was quoted in the Los Angeles Daily News and AFP about the special election. "If [Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger] loses, he's going to be a much less powerful force," he said. "People are going to fear him much less."

November 8, 2005

Japan Today

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about how Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political fate might depend on how well his ballot measures do in California's special election. "If Schwarzenegger loses all the initiatives, which seems likely, he wakes up Wednesday an ordinary politician, he doesn't have this extraordinary threat anymore of going to the people above the legislators' heads," Garrett said.

November 8, 2005

Finnish Broadcasting Co.

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed about the importance of California's special election results to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's political future. A failure to pass the ballot initiatives supported by Schwarzenegger could severely damage his populist image, she said. Garrett was interviewed about the same topic by Canadian Broadcasting Company and AFP.

November 7, 2005

KABC

Prof. John Matsusaka of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC was interviewed about advertisements attacking or defending the eight ballot measures on Tuesday's ballot. Matsusaka was also interviewed by Associated Press TV, Reuters TV and Annenberg TV about the importance of the special election to interest groups and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

November 7, 2005

KPFK

Prof. Thomas Lyon was interviewed about Proposition 73, the California Special Election ballot measure that would require parental notification for minors seeking an abortion.

November 7, 2005

KPCC-FM

Prof. Edward McCaffery was interviewed on "AirTalk" about All Saint's Church in Pasadena, which is under IRS investigation after a clergyman gave an allegedly partisan sermon before the 2004 presidential election. The Pasadena Star-News also quoted McCaffery in a similar story. "I think it's clear that religious leaders can speak out about what they think faith dictates on matters of social justice," he said.

November 6, 2005

NBC News

Prof. Kareem Crayton was interviewed on "NBC Nightly News" about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's final days of campaigning before the special election held Nov. 8. "Schwarzenegger is not the huge star in Sacramento that he is in Hollywood," Crayton said. "People don't just cooperate with him just because he's Arnold Schwarzenegger."

November 1, 2005

E! Entertainment

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about Michael Jackson's continuing legal problems. Jackson has been reportedly living in Bahrain while his lawyers continue to represent the pop star in lawsuits in Los Angeles courts. "You can't stop a lawsuit just by moving away," said Rosenbluth.

November 1, 2005

Metro Radio Networks

Prof. Michael Shapiro was interviewed about U.S. Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito and challenges he may face in the confirmation process.

October 28, 2005

KABC-TV

Prof. Kareem Crayton was interviewed about the indictment against Vice President Cheney's top aid, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

October 28, 2005

Honolulu Advertiser

Prof. Edwin Smith was quoted in a story about a Maui resident accused of revealing secrets about stealth technology used in U.S. planes. "If we talk about a technological edge that is a combination of radar suppression and heat-seeking suppression, that gives us a technological edge that no one can beat at this point," Smith said. "Anyone who gives that away is giving away our core technological edge with regard to aircraft."

October 26, 2005

The Sacramento Bee

Prof. Thomas Lyon was quoted in a story about a perceived lack of legal specificity in Proposition 73, the abortion 'parental notification' measure on the Nov. 8 California ballot. Under the new measure, minors seeking an abortion would need to appeal to a judge to keep their abortions secret from their parents. In discussing the potential legal implications of the measure, Lyon said that California family court judges currently have wide discretion in making decisions in child custody cases, using the 'best interests of the child' legal standard.

October 26, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the high caseload in Riverside County courts. "You are certainly going to have a lot more trials in a county where the climate is one of not offering deals," Rosenbluth said. "People will decide they may as well take their chances and go to trial."

October 23, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about how political campaigns are becoming more skilled at hiding the sources of their donations and sometimes wait until after the election to reveal information about their funding. "If the information is not available at the moment the voter is making her decision, then disclosure is irrelevant," Garrett said. "Only when you know who is behind an initiative and how much they're spending can you competently vote."

October 22, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to ask TV stations to remove ads that feature him appealing to California voters for support of his propositions. "He's now not seen as the same Schwarzenegger who won the recall and was so successful last year," Garrett said. "He is either seen as a partisan, or insensitive about ordinary people."

October 22, 2005

Reuters

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about how a trip to a strip club to entertain clients has created an image problem for a telecommunications CEO as well as a lawsuit for alleged non-payment of a $241,000 tab. "I'm sure at the time he thought this was a good way to entertain clients but certainly the danger in something like this is that it becomes public, and if it becomes public then you have the eyes of the world on you," Rosenbluth said.

October 20, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Dean Matthew Spitzer announced he will step down from his position as dean in July and will return to teaching and research at USC.

October 19, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the two proposals made by the president's tax restructuring panel. Garrett, a panel member, said she was not satisfied with the progressivity, or the degree to which higher-earners pay more taxes, of the current tax code. She needs to see hard data on the effects that the new plans would have, she added.

October 19, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted about former Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom McClintock's support of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Nov. 8 special election ballot measures. "[The governor] hasn't taken any problematic stances in this election for conservatives," Garrett said.

October 18, 2005

Associated Press

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the recommendations made by the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform, of which Garrett is a member. Garrett said she wanted to investigate the amounts paid by taxpayers at various income levels so that the panel can "at least be content that we do no worse" in recommending elimination of deductions for state and local taxes.

October 17, 2005

The Washington Post

Prof. Edward McCaffery was quoted in a story about recommendations made by the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform. "If you keep the income tax pretty much as is, there will not be enduring, long-lasting reform," McCaffery said. "I think it's now clear we have to do something else. Will they do something else? We're certainly not hearing it."

October 13, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted about a possible recommendation to President Bush to drastically change the mortgage tax deduction. Garrett serves on the president's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform, a group that has recommended abolishing the alternative minimum tax. "Repealing the individual AMT will cost $1.2 trillion. Either that has to come from higher taxes or reduced tax expenditures or some combination," she said, adding that discussion about removing the mortgage deduction is very important.

October 9, 2005

St. Petersburg Times

Prof. Kareem Crayton was quoted in a story about the possibility of a campaign fair practices board in Pasco County, Florida. The board would check the accuracy of mudslinging and discipline candidates who lie or make distortions about their opponents. "All of the board's work could be appealed, so the ultimate question is whether you are comfortable having these questions decided by a court in a state that has recently derided runaway judges," Crayton said.

October 9, 2005

The Mercury News

Prof. Susan Estrich wrote an opinion piece about why a woman needs to be appointed to succeed Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. "President Bush's choice last week of Harriet Miers to replace O'Connor inevitably raises the question of how important it is for the Supreme Court to have two women, rather than one or none," Estrich wrote.

October 9, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about how consumption taxes might be part of the president's tax advisory panel's recommendations. "I hope there is a real opportunity to overhaul the tax code over the next year or two," said Garrett, a panel member. "The president has said it's a high priority for him, and it is for Congress, too. Every tax bill since the 1986 reform has made the system more complicated and less fair, and it's time to turn that around."

October 8, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about a possible elimination of the alternative minimum tax, a recommendation made by the president's tax panel of which Garrett is a member. Because the panel's mandate is to be revenue neutral, that required them to come up with $1.2 trillion in other receipts over the next decade. "The money has to be found by either raising rates or changing tax expenditures," panel member Elizabeth Garrett said.

October 8, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Prof. Clare Pastore was quoted in a story about how public-sector lawyers may be engaging in unethical or illegal behavior by slowing down court procedures to protest salary negotiations with San Bernardino County. "Delaying a (case) for a lawyer's own gain in a labor dispute is unethical," Pastore said. "It's clear that in California the ethics opinion has spoken to a slowdown about dentical" to the San Bernardino situation. She cited a 1979 State Bar opinion that says lawyers that commit such a slowdown are guilty of misdemeanors.

October 4, 2005

FOX News

Prof. Susan Estrich was interviewed on "On the Record" about Harriet Miers, President George Bush's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. Estrich was also interviewed on KABC-AM's "Al Rantel" show about the same topic.

October 4, 2005

Metro Radio Network

Prof. Michael Shapiro was interviewed about Harriet Miers, President George Bush's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. He discussed the pros and cons of having no judicial record and being in the president’s inner circle.

October 3, 2005

San Diego Union-Tribune

Prof. John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, was quoted in a story about the history of initiatives and referendums in California. "To put things in perspective, the initiative process is older than such newfangled ideas as universal women's suffrage, direct election of U.S. senators, the federal income tax, Social Security and the one-person, one-vote principal," he said.

September 29, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Thomas Lyon was quoted in a story about how the parents of a 3-year-old girl who died of AIDS will retain custody of their 8-year-old son after he tested negative for HIV. The parents are skeptical that HIV leads to AIDS and did not test their daughter for the disease. "Even if they conclude the parents were negligent in letting their daughter die, it is probably not sufficient to do anything about the other child," Lyon said. "Once it's decided that there is no risk to a child, as there doesn't ultimately appear to be in this case, the past is the past."

September 28, 2005

San Diego Union-Tribune

Prof. Carrie Hempel was quoted in a story about a woman's fourth appearance before a parole board. The woman was convicted of killing two and injuring nine others in a schoolyard shooting 25 years ago. Arguing before the parole board, Hempel said that the woman suffered from chronic post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being sexually abused by her father.

September 28, 2005

The Guardian

Prof. Susan Estrich was quoted in a story about the debate generated by the prospect of having a female president as depicted by the new television show "Commander-in-Chief." Estrich's new book, "The Case for Hillary Clinton" argues that the New York senator "offers the Democrats a once-in-a-lifetime chance to break the White House glass ceiling and be the first party to elect a female president."

September 28, 2005

The Christian Science Monitor

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about California Proposition 75,which would ban unions from donating to campaigns without their members' annual consent to do so. "Unions all over the country have an investment in this fight because they know that if they can no longer raise money for Democratic candidates and causes, there is no other group on the left that can amass the kind of political war chests that Republicans raise," Garrett said.

September 27, 2005

Inside Higher Ed

Associate Dean Scott Altman was quoted in a story about Tulane University officials' request that all law students return to the New Orleans university in January. The USC Gould School of Law, which has taken in several Tulane law students, will comply with Tulane's request. "We're trying to do a service to the students and the university," Altman said.

September 26, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Susan Estrich was featured because of a "house party" she had planned for 50 area VIPs to watch the new ABC show "Commander in Chief." The show features actress Geena Davis as the first female president of the United States. "If you want to put women in the White House, people have to start changing their view of what the president looks like," Estrich said. "We've had one after another handsome, white, male chief executives.

September 24, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Michael Shapiro and Prof. Thomas Lyon were quoted in a story about the death of a girl, who was breast fed by her HIV-positive mother. The woman, who has declined to test her children for HIV, has challenged the idea that HIV leads to AIDS. The county's Department of Children and Family Services is attempting to determine whether the parents and doctors who treated the girl were negligent. "If you look away from something you're supposed to be looking for, that's called willful blindness and willful blindness is one aspect of determining the negligence," Shapiro said. According to Lyon: "DCFS is used to your prototypical neglect case where the house is filthy and the mother doesn't care. They're just not accustomed to the kind of neglect where you have an otherwise healthy, good parent."

September 21, 2005

Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles City Council approved the appointment of Associate Dean and Prof. Robert Saltzman to the City’s Ethics Commission. Saltzman was nominated by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The Los Angeles Daily News and Los Angeles Business Journal also covered Saltzman's approval.

September 19, 2005

ABC Now

Prof. Jody Armour appeared on “Guilt Or Innocence” discussing white collar crime and the Tyco sentencing case.

September 17, 2005

Cox News Service

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's announcement that he will run for re-election. The governor faces declining poll numbers and is promoting various measures on the November 8 ballot. "That has a great deal to do with the timing," Garrett said. "He needs to signal to potential financial backers and voters alike that he's in this for the long haul — and that if they pass these initiatives he'll be there to implement them."

September 17, 2005

KTLA-TV

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed on the news about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's bid for a second term. Garrett was also interviewed by Metro News Network about the same issue.

September 17, 2005

FOX News

Prof. Susan Estrich was interviewed on "On the Record" about the John Roberts confirmation hearings to become chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Estrich was also interviewed on KTLA-TV.

September 17, 2005

MSNBC

Prof. Kareem Crayton was interviewed about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's announcement that he will run for re-election. The governor's declining poll numbers indicate it will be tough, Crayton said. "He is a businessman. He thought he could apply the same rules to Sacramento and that is not the case. It is not impossible but difficult to see him digging his way out," he said. The interview also ran on KSEE-TV (Fresno), KNTV-TV (San Francisco) and KRC-TV (Washington, D.C.). Crayton was also interviewed about Schwarzenegger’s announcement on KPFK-FM.

September 16, 2005

KAHL-Radio/ San Antonio

Prof. Charles Whitebread was interviewed about the John Roberts confirmation hearings to become chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

September 14, 2005

KCBS-TV

Prof. Michael Shapiro was interviewed about the ruling by a U.S. district court judge that "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance violates school children's right to be "free from a coercive requirement to affirm God."

September 14, 2005

FOX Radio News

Prof. Charles Whitebread was interviewed about the ruling by a U.S. district court judge that "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance violates school children's right to be "free from a coercive requirement to affirm God."

September 13, 2005

FOX News

Prof. Susan Estrich was interviewed with U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham on "Fox on the Record" about John Roberts' Supreme Court confirmation hearings. "[T]he reason everybody's watching so carefully and looking for all those votes is because this is all a set-up for the next nomination and being able to say, 'Well, you folks, if you voted for John Roberts because he, after all, is a Boy Scout and a very reasonable guy, then you better vote for the next more conservative nominee...' " Estrich said.

September 13, 2005

The Christian Science Monitor

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about whether the same-sex marriage bill passed by the California legislature will be copied in other states. "There will be lurches backward and forward as some states throw up roadblocks to such arrangements and others embrace them," Garrett said. "But overall the support for civil unions is getting stronger and stronger."

September 13, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about how Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is campaigning in favor of his Nov. 8 ballot measures. "I think he has become a different Arnold for voters, somebody who is more of a politician, who isn't that different from the other people in Sacramento a person who doesn't care for ordinary California, who appears more influenced by special interests," Garrett said.

September 10, 2005

Roll Call

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about redistricting initiatives that will be on the ballot in three states, including California. Of how Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger went about garnering support now dwindling for the redistricting measure, Garrett said: "The thing about initiatives is that you don't have to explain the details. It's all about symbolic significance. And a take-back-the-government message could have worked."

September 10, 2005

The Baltimore Sun

Prof. Mary Dudziak was quoted in a story about how Americans and the media are dealing with issues of race after Hurricane Katrina. Americans "are profoundly uncomfortable talking about race," Dudziak said.

September 9, 2005

KABC-TV

Several local TV and radio stations interviewed Tulane University law students displaced by Hurricane Katrina who have taken advantage of USC Law’s offer to accept them on a visiting basis. The law school has invited 10 second-and third-year law students from Tulane and Loyola universities to attend classes until their schools open up again. Three Tulane law students were quoted and/or filmed, along with Associate Dean and Professor Scott Altman and Associate Dean Lisa Mead. Altman said that USC Law is happy to help the students and will send any tuition money to their home schools. The students and Altman were interviewed by KABC-TV, Fox News TV, KCBS-TV, KTLA-TV and KABC-AM.

September 3, 2005

KPCC-FM

USC Law professors were interviewed by a variety of media sources about the passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist and the upcoming U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for John Roberts, President George Bush's nominee to succeed Rehnquist on the U.S. Supreme Court. Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed on KPCC’s “Air Talk” and “Talk of the City.” She was also on KNX-AM and KGO-FM in San Francisco. Prof. Charles Whitebread was quoted in the Press-Enterprise and Ventura County Star and interviewed by the Washington Post, City News Service, KNX-AM, KPCC-FM and Fox Radio News. "We have a court that was already conservative," Whitebread said. "The question now is how conservative, what kind of conservative? You really can't predict what kinds of cases will come forward." Prof. Susan Estrich was interviewed on Fox News. She recounted her days as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and her many interactions with Rehnquist.

September 2, 2005

The Boston Globe

Prof. Mary Dudziak wrote an op-ed about how class divisions can be seen in times of war or natural disaster. "While a crisis like Katrina spares no one in its path, heavy burdens always fall on those who have the least," Dudziak said. "Americans don't like to think about economic classes, but in natural disasters class can be tied to survival itself."

September 1, 2005

KPCC

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was a guest on “Air Talk” discussing the upcoming U.S. Senate hearings on the nomination of John G. Roberts to the Supreme Court. As members of the Senate marshal their questions, Garrett talked about what to expect from the Senate chambers.

August 27, 2005

Bakersfield Californian

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the slow pace of the trial of a man who is accused of killing five family members in 2003. "It's lengthy, but not out of the range of reasonableness," Rosenbluth said.

August 27, 2005

Bakersfield Californian

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the slow pace of the trial of a man who is accused of killing five family members in 2003. "It's lengthy, but not out of the range of reasonableness," Rosenbluth said.

August 25, 2005

KMEX

Prof. David Cruz was interviewed about how court nominees, including U.S. Supreme Court candidate John Roberts, impact Latinos.

August 23, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. David Cruz was quoted in a story about how the state of Connecticut has sued the federal government because it does not receive enough funding to implement No Child Left Behind's mandatory testing programs. Cruz said Connecticut's lawsuit is "legally very strong" because of the state's law that prohibits unfunded mandates. This story was carried in numerous publications.

August 23, 2005

MSN "Money"

Prof. Edward McCaffery was quoted in a story about taxation of dual income families. "The United States tax system is a product of the 1930s and 1940s. At that time the single-earner model was the norm for families -- men worked outside the home and women worked inside it. Tax policy decisions favored and rewarded this arrangement and made it difficult to be a two-earner family," said McCaffery. "Over time those biases have gotten worse."

August 23, 2005

WHYY-FM/NPR/Philadelphia

Prof. Edward McCaffery participated in a debate with a Yale Law School professor on "Radio Time with Marty Moss-Coane" about whether Congress should repeal the estate tax.

August 23, 2005

Fox News Radio

Prof. David Cruz was interviewed about the California Supreme Court's ruling that both members of same-sex relationships have full parenting rights. KPCC also interviewed Cruz about the topic.

August 23, 2005

KABC

Prof. Jody Armour was interviewed about the civil case involving pop star Michael Jackson and the family of his accuser in the child molestation case.

August 21, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Timur Kuran wrote an op-ed about the factors that are contributing to the delay in drafting the Iraqi constitution and the policies of the late religious leader Mohammed Baqir Sadr. "Sadr's intellectual legacy has facilitated the present ideological diversity," Kuran wrote. "In his writings, Sadr laid out a vision, developed ideals and made sweeping predictions about the benefits of Islamization."

August 21, 2005

Beaver County Times

John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC was quoted in a story about how Pennsylvania is one of the states that does not have an initiative process. "We know initiative states have smaller government, spend less and tax less because of initiatives, and seem to be more responsive to public opinion," Matsusaka said. "The legislators realize they better accommodate the people; if they don't, an initiative is going to pop up and force the matter."

August 16, 2005

The Mercury-News

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about what the final weeks of this year's legislative session hold for state lawmakers. "It's a year in which the governor and the Legislature are primarily in campaign mode,' Garrett said. "It influences all of the bargaining strategies, even with respect to bills that are not directly connected to initiatives.'

August 16, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about a battle among conservatives about wording in two proposed constitutional amendments that would ban same-sex marriage. One of the proposals defines heterosexual marriage as the only "legal union" that can be sanctioned by the state. Garrett said that initiative would probably face court challenges to determine what "legal union" means.

August 9, 2005

San Diego Union-Tribune

Associate Dean Tom Tomlinson was quoted in a story about a fishing retreat, mostly for educators, organized by Jim Rogers, a USC Law donor and the chancellor of Nevada System of Higher Education. "The excuse is you are trying to catch a few salmon, but in terms of time, you're probably actually catching fish for an hour. The other hours are spent talking about lives and higher education," Tomlinson said. This story was by The Associated Press.

August 6, 2005

The Ventura County Star

Prof. Edwin Smith was quoted in a story about the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. "I think that the weight of accumulated opinion is that the bombings were not necessary at that time," said Smith, an expert on World War II and nuclear proliferation. "However, there was that fear of repeating the Battle of Okinawa, only on a larger, more horrendous scale. And a lot of people in the world were happy to see the end of military power in Japan."

August 4, 2005

KPCC

Prof. Gregory Keating was a guest on KPCC's "Air Talk." He discussed the welder's mass tort litigation, particularly on possible resemblances to the asbestos litigation.

August 3, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Prof. Kareem Crayton was quoted in a story about an entrepreneur who is selling T-shirts with the slogan "Bush Lied, They Died" superimposed over the names of 1,700 American soldiers who died in the Iraq war. Some of the soldiers' relatives are protesting the use of the names. Crayton said there may be a question about whether this kind of marketing can be regulated or stopped altogether if the seller of the shirts is in some way claiming to represent the interests of the soldiers or their families.

August 2, 2005

The Christian Science Monitor

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the "Live Within Our Means Act," which would cap state spending in California. Gov. Schwarzenegger has been promoting the idea of controlling state expenditure since his election campaign. "When Arnold took over and tried to get the budget under control, he realized that so much of the pie was already spoken for," Garrett said. "This initiative is a way to get more control of spending in a way that avoids having to fight over which programs win."

August 1, 2005

Metro Radio News Networks

Prof. Edwin Smith was interviewed about John Bolton's appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

July 31, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Prof. George Lefcoe was quoted in a story about a court ruling on a property value dispute between a developer and San Bernardino County. "If they are not valuing the land in its present zone, they have to show there is a reasonable probability it will be rezoned," Lefcoe said.

July 30, 2005

The Washington Post

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Sen. Diane Feinstein, the lone woman on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the only woman to publicly question U.S. Supreme Court nominee John Roberts before casting a vote to decide if his nomination should go to the full Senate."She's someone who pragmatically goes about the business of governing, and you can't have extreme ideological commitments to do that," Garrett said of Feinstein. This story by The Associated Press was carried widely.

July 29, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, was quoted in a story about the clash between business interests and organized labor in California. Unions are developing a ballot initiative to counter Proposition 75, which would require unions to get written consent from their members to spend dues on political donations. Matsusaka noted that even if Prop. 75 passes, "I'm sure the unions will be clever in looking for some loophole to try to get around it."

July 25, 2005

The Associated Press

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the state attorney general's analysis of a proposed California constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage and would take away most domestic partnership rights. With the analysis, petitioners, who hope to get the amendment on the June 2006 ballot, can begin to gather signatures. "California voters, even though they are relatively liberal, probably do not support gay marriage," said Garrett. "But if it's very clear to voters it is not just a gay marriage amendment, then it is less likely to pass. Opponents will capitalize on that and it gives them a chance to characterize this as an extreme initiative out of the California mainstream." Garrett also spoke on this topic to KCBS in San Francisco.

July 21, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about a recommendation from President George Bush's Tax Advisory Panel to eliminate the alternative minimum tax — a tax established to prevent wealthy people from taking advantage of so many tax breaks that they paid little, if any, tax. Garrett, a member of the panel, said when the wealthy are not paying their fair share, "it erodes confidence in the system." The Associated Press also wrote a widely carried story that quoted Garrett.

July 21, 2005

Chicago Tribune

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the possibility of having only one woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Garrett commented on her experience as a law clerk to Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court justice. "He looked at us and said there is not one day in this country that I have had to look down at my hand to recognize that I am an African-American," she said.

July 21, 2005

Tucson Weekly

Profs. Niels Frenzen and Jean Rosenbluth were quoted in a story about the trial of two college students who were arrested for taking three sick illegal immigrants to a doctor. "If you come across a case where there was an emergency, that's not a case that you prosecute," said Rosenbluth. Frenzen added, "It's certainly not a good use of law enforcement resources in this case, especially when the Border Patrol already knows who these people are."

July 20, 2005

KPCC-FM

Prof. Charles Whitebread was interviewed on "AirTalk" about President George Bush's nomination of John G. Roberts to be the next Supreme Court justice. "The people that I know that know Judge Roberts think very highly of him," Whitebread said. "They think he has a good judicial temperament."

July 20, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Edward McCaffery was quoted in a story about a U.S. Appeals Court decision that clarified restrictions on family limited partnerships, which are used to reduce taxes on inheritances and gifts. "Memo to rich families: You can do it but do it the right way," McCaffery said.

July 19, 2005

National Public Radio

USC Law professors were quoted in numerous stories about President Bush's U.S. Supreme Court nomination of John Roberts. Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed on National Public Radio. She said that because retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was seen as a moderate, Roberts "is going to receive a lot of scrutiny from both the left and the right." Prof. Kareem Crayton was interviewed by Metro Radio News Network and Prof. Mary Dudziak was interviewed on KNX-AM, KFWB-AM, BBC Radio and La Opinion. Dudziak said that in Roberts, the Bush Administration has found a solid conservative with "an impeccable legal resume and a short paper trail. "Since he has only been a judge for two years, his statements on hot button issues like abortion have tended to be in briefs, not opinions," she said. "He will be able to distance himself from them by saying that they were simply the views of his clients." Prof. Charles Whitebread was a guest on Larry Mantle's "Air Talk" and he was interviewed by KNX-AM, KFWB-AM, Fox Radio, New York, KGO-AM's "The Pete Wilson Program" in San Francisco and "Carl Wigglesworth Show" on KAHL-AM in San Antonio. Whitebread was also quoted in the Ventura County Star. He said the Roberts choice is likely to lead to a dignified confirmation hearing. "He is viewed as such a thoughtful person that he might be a fitting replacement for Justice O'Connor."

July 15, 2005

NBC News

Prof. Kareem Crayton was interviewed on the "Today Show" about news that Gov. Schwarzenegger has entered into an $8 million consulting deal with a health and fitness publisher. Crayton said he believes the deal is legal, but questioned the political savvy of the controversial arrangement. Crayton's interview was also carried on MSNBC News and "Lester Holt Live."

July 13, 2005

Daily Journal

Prof. Elyn Saks and her research on mental health hearings was featured. Saks and colleagues at UCLA and UC San Diego are conducting a survey of mental health judges in California, Massachusetts and New York to determine how uniformly such hearings are conducted. Saks is concerned that the threshold of what makes someone competent varies too widely. "If that's the case, then we have problems with people not knowing what to expect, and the unfairness of inconsistency," Saks said.

July 10, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Dean Matthew Spitzer was quoted in a story about a possible courtroom battle that may decide ownership of KOCE-TV. "What a mess," Spitzer said about the potential for lawsuits in the ownership battle for the public television station.

July 5, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about an op-ed piece appearing in the London Independent in which Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote that California will be a leader in fighting global warming. "Writing this global warming piece is a way to remind Democrats and independents that he holds a position important to them, which diverges from the Republican Party," Garrett said.

July 3, 2005

San Jose Mercury News

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's sagging popularity. Garrett cautioned that it's easy to overstate how injured the governor is politically. "He's certainly weaker than he was," she said, "but he's still a very strong candidate for re-election."

July 1, 2005

NBC News

USC Law School experts were quoted in numerous stories about the announced retirement of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. "If she is replaced by a political conservative, the balance of power on the court changes and the outcomes of the Supreme Court will change significantly," Prof. Elizabeth Garrett said on NBC's "Nightly News." Garrett was also interviewed on KPCC-FM's "Air Talk," KCBS-TV/KCAL-TV, and was quoted in the Ventura County Star. Prof. Charles Whitebread was interviewed on KNX-AM, KFWB-AM, KGO-AM and was quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle and City News Service. "Justice O'Connor sits at the very middle of the court,' Whitebread said. "The court will miss her common sense and case-by-case approach.' Prof. David Cruz was interviewed by Metro Radio News Network and was quoted by City News Service. Prof. Howard Gillman, who holds a joint appointment with the Law School and the College, was quoted in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story about who might replace O'Connor.

July 1, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Gregory Keating was quoted in a story about two California Supreme Court rulings that found business owners may hold some responsibilities when foreseeable violent crimes occur on their property. Keating said that it would have been "remarkable" if the court ruled against one victim who was assaulted and stabbed in the parking lot of a restaurant.

July 1, 2005

FOX News

Prof. Susan Estrich was interviewed about the surprise resignation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

June 30, 2005

The Planning Report

Prof. George Lefcoe was featured in an extensive interview on the political feasibility of long-term land use planning in Los Angeles and cities throughout the country. "American municipal planning has never started with an urban vision in the way that most attractive European cities have channeled private development to serve public ends. For the most part, we reject the European notion that the government should strongly dictate the location and timing of new development."

June 30, 2005

Christian Science Monitor

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Garrett noted that Villaraigosa runs the risk of not delivering in his attempt to gain control over the Los Angeles Unified School District.

June 29, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Charles Whitebread commented on a proposed ordinance in Riverside County that would require buyers of common cold medications to provide personal information, such as telephone and driver's license numbers. The ordinance was designed to discourage production of methamphetamine. "I think there are real privacy issues about putting additional burdens on people who purchase over-the-counter drugs," Whitebread said.

June 29, 2005

Metro News Networks

Prof. Thomas Lyon was interviewed about the use of closed-circuit television to show testimony of child witnesses who say they are too afraid to face the defendant in court.

June 28, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett commented on Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa's transition into his new office. The article asks whether his political fate will be shaped by such unforeseeable events as natural disasters, strikes or scandal. "Anything like that can take an enormous amount of time and attention and can divert you, as a politician, from our campaign promises. It can also define you as a leader," Garrett said.

June 28, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Prof. Michael Shapiro was quoted about the possible local ramifications of the Supreme Court's rulings on public religious displays. The article discussed two disputes in the Inland Empire, one involving a cross in the Mojave Desert and another concerning a cross in the City of Redlands' logo. "Taken together, they are not helpful. It's like you have a court afflicted with multiple personalities," Shapiro said of the decisions.

June 27, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Jennifer Urban was quoted about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Grokster case. The ruling makes file-sharing networks liable if their users share copyrighted material, clearing the way for the case to be tried in a lower court. "This ruling says that if you actively promote [illegal downloading], you might be liable. Now we have to find out exactly what that means," Urban said. This Reuters story was carried widely. In addition, Urban was interviewed on KPCC's "Air Talk" and KFI-Radio about the ruling.

June 21, 2005

The Christian Science Monitor

In her syndicated column, Prof. Susan Estrich defended Fox News against recent criticism of certain network personalities. "Three times as many people watch Fox every day as watch CNN," Estrich wrote. "There were certainly times during the last campaign where I disagreed with decisions made by young Fox producers. But without exception, every time I raised an issue, I won."

June 16, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Gov. Schwarzenegger's planned special election. She said that voters might go to the polls to cast a vote for or against the governor. "You either trust Arnold, or you trust the groups that oppose him,' said Garrett.

June 15, 2005

Agence France-Presse

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Gov. Schwarzenegger's planned special election. "I think this will be the most difficult challenge that Schwarzenegger has faced since coming to power," Garrett said.

June 15, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative & Referendum Institute at USC, wrote an op-ed about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's call for a special election. "Why shouldn't the people be involved? Win or lose, Schwarzenegger is pushing California further down the road toward a new kind of democracy in which the Legislature is eclipsed by the people," Matsusaka wrote.

June 14, 2005

CNN

The day after the Michael Jackson verdict, Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was interviewed on "NewsNight with Aaron Brown" about Michael Jackson's acquittal on charges of child molestation. "[Prosecutors] want to communicate to the world that they are fair, that they are not going to treat this celebrity any different, and perhaps sometimes, they over-compensate," Rosenbluth said. She was also quoted in stories by The Washington Post, Newsday, Copley News Service and the Sun-Sentinel. Prof. Jody Armour continued to serve as a legal analyst on KABC-TV and Prof. Michael Brennan was quoted in a BBC News article in the Decan Herald and by the Long Beach Press-Enterprise.

June 13, 2005

The New York Times

USC Law professors were quoted by more than 40 media outlets about the verdict in the trial of Michael Jackson. Prof. Jean Rosenbluth contributed to a New York Times profile of District Attorney Thomas W. Sneddon Jr. "He sincerely believes Michael Jackson is a serial pedophile," Rosenbluth said.

June 13, 2005

KPCC-FM

Prof. John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, was interviewed on "Air Talk" about the November special election called by Gov. Schwarzenegger. "One of the important things to watch here is whether [Schwarzenegger] can actually get the voters to go along with him," Matsusaka said. Matsusaka was also interviewed on KQED-FM's "California Report."

June 12, 2005

KABC-TV

Prof. David Cruz was interviewed on "Eyewitness News" about medical marijuana use in California after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government could overrule state laws and prosecute federal drug law violators.

June 12, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. George Lefcoe was quoted in a story about landslide insurance. "If you're having trouble sleeping at night because you imagine yourself being on the 7 o'clock news, Google 'landslide insurance' and contact the brokers you find," Lefcoe said. "If it's a risk you can live with, save your money."

June 11, 2005

Press-Enterprise

Prof. George Lefcoe was quoted in a story about a possible $200 million settlement between Riverside County supervisors. Lefcoe said it can be a good idea to get the lawyers out of the room and let the parties negotiate a settlement directly. "Sometimes people can find options lawyers don't consider," Lefcoe said.

June 11, 2005

The Independent

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the length of the jury's deliberations in the Michael Jackson trial. "It appears that they are being quite conscientious," Rosenbluth said. "The obvious conclusion to draw is that the jury is aware of the world watching and wants to cross every T and dot every I."

June 8, 2005

KPCC

Prof. Niels Frenzen was a guest on “Talk of the City,” appearing from the San Pedro Processing and Detention facility on Terminal Island. Frenzen discussed his representation of non-citizens and the work of the USC Law School Immigration Clinic. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years. I started representing non-citizens in law school and stuck with it… Under student practice rules, USC Law School students represent people before the court here in San Pedro, Lancaster and downtown Los Angeles. I usually have eight to 10 students a semester representing non-citizens in matters before the U.S. Immigration Court here in Los Angeles,” he said.

June 8, 2005

KCAL-TV

Prof. David Cruz was interviewed about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow the federal government to prosecute people who use physician-prescribed marijuana. Cruz was also interviewed by Metro Radio News Network and City News Service about the court's decision.

June 6, 2005

ABC NEWS

Prof. Jody Armour was interviewed on"ABC News Now" about celebrity trials. Armour discussed the acquittals of OJ Simpson and Robert Blake. Separately, he was also interviewed on KABC-TV about the Michael Jackson trial.

June 3, 2005

KABC

Prof. Jody Armour served as a legal commentator, discussing the final stages in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial. He discussed how well the prosecutor and defense attorneys presented their closing arguments.

June 1, 2005

ABC News

Prof. George Lefcoe was interviewed on "World News Tonight" about a Laguna Beach landslide that destroyed 18 homes. "The government has, in our tradition, no obligation to forecast risk and tell people that you can't live in a 100-year flood plain," Lefcoe said. Lefcoe was also quoted in a Bloomberg News article, where he mentioned that some of the destroyed homes may not have met the most recent building standards. In addition, Lefcoe appeared on KNBC-TV, KTTV, KCRW’s “Which Way LA?” and KNX-Radio, ETTV and Univision.

May 27, 2005

KPCC

Prof. Gregory Keating was interviewed on Larry Mantle's "Air Talk" about concerns from Mexican authorities that many of the gangs in Mexico City and other regions are obtaining high-power weaponry from the United States. Keating discussed parallel issues in the United States federal system and the possibility of Mexico bringing similar claims.

May 26, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the final day of defense testimony in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial. "They were seeking to discredit the mother and make everyone forget about the alleged molestation that's at the core of the case," Rosenbluth said of the defense's strategy.

May 26, 2005

Indianapolis Star

Prof. Susan Estrich wrote about Newsweek's Quran report in her syndicated column."If the incidents described in the Newsweek report were the worst that happened to keep this country safe from terrorism, my guess is you won't hear 99 percent of this country complaining," Estrich wrote.

May 25, 2005

Las Vegas City Life

Prof. John Matsusaka of the Initiative & Referendum Institute was quoted in a column about the weakening of a proposed law that would have made it more difficult to put an initiative on the Nevada ballot. "We're moving into a period where we're going to see more and more important laws being made by people directly," Matsusaka said."I think this is the future."

May 24, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about rock producer Phil Spector's murder trial. Rosenbluth said Judge Larry P. Fidler "erred on the side of being conservative" by preventing some incidents involving Spector from being introduced as evidence.

May 23, 2005

KPCC

Prof. Clare Pastore was a guest on "Air Talk" discussing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to review a First Circuit decision which struck down Maine's parental notification abortion law. Pastore said the case will not likely present an opportunity to reverse Roe v. Wade.

May 23, 2005

KPCC

Prof. Jody Armour was interviewed about a community protest over the release of a sex offender in Riverside County. This story ran on a number of NPR affiliates including KQED in San Francisco.

May 19, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. John Matsusaka of the USC Initiative and Referendum Institute was quoted in a story about how unions representing LAX airport police mounted a successful campaign to defeat Measure A, which would have merged their department with the LAPD. The absence of a formal campaign for Measure A by its proponents led voters to favor the status quo, Matsusaka said. "The way it was run left the impression that police were against it," he said. "You really have to make your case for change."

May 18, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Associate Dean John G."Tom" Tomlinson Jr. was quoted in an article about Y.C. Hong, a 1924 graduate of USC Law School. Hong was the first Chinese American to graduate from USC Law and the first Chinese American to pass the Californian Bar. His office, where he practiced for 60 years and which his family recently sold, was a legendary entry point to the United States for thousands of Chinese. Some of his papers will be donated to the Huntington Library, along with family artifacts. Hong's son, Nowland C. Hong, is a 1959 graduate of USC Law School.

May 17, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

Prof. Thomas Lyon was quoted in a story about the death-penalty verdict for Alejandro Avila. The defense brought up Avila's childhood abuse in hopes of gaining sympathy for him. "What else can they do?" Lyon asked. "Just as the prosecution wants to focus a jury on the victim, the defense wants to bring their focus to any potential sympathy for the defendant."

May 17, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's preparation for a special election. "A special election is a very big deal for Arnold Schwarzenegger," Garrett said. "Going to a special election is his way to get back that reputation for succeeding with the people."

May 11, 2005

The Wall Street Journal

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was highlighted in a story about the skepticism among members of the Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform over a proposal for a national sales tax. Garrett raised concerns about cheating under the so-called Fair Tax proposal.

May 11, 2005

Christian Science Monitor

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the multi-ethnic coalition that may lift Antonio Villaraigosa to victory in the Los Angeles mayoral election. "Among Villaraigosa's many strong points are that he has political ambition, strategic savvy and the charm to captivate audiences of all kinds," Garrett said.

May 11, 2005

CQ Today

Prof. Edward McCaffery weighed in on the president's tax advisory panel's discussion of a national sales tax. McCaffery said that instead of taxing incomes, gifts and estates,"we should tax people when [they are] spending and only when they spend."

May 11, 2005

KCAL-KCBS

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth served as a commentator on the KCAL-KCBS news discussing and analyzing the Michael Jackson child molestation case.

May 10, 2005

Las Vegas Review-Journal

A $10-million gift to the USC Law School from Jim Rogers, chancellor of the Nevada higher education system, and his wife was featured. The gift — the largest in USC Law School's history — will fund scholarships and faculty support. USC Law Dean Matthew Spitzer said his school is not competing with Nevada universities for students. "If they're considering USC, they're probably considering leaving Nevada," Spitzer said.

May 9, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was interviewed by numerous reporters as she observed the Michael Jackson trial live from Santa Maria. She was interviewed about an admission from the manager of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch that he had lied to investigators. "The jury now has a basis for not believing the rest of what he says," Rosenbluth said. "This guy obviously had an agenda and a loyalty to Michael Jackson." This story was carried in several other newspapers. Separately, USA Today, Newsday, KNX-Radio and ABC Radio quoted Rosenbluth in their stories about the testimony. Rosenbluth also was interviewed on several news channels, including MSNBC, KCBS-TV and KABC-TV.

May 9, 2005

National Law Journal

Associate Dean John G."Tom" Tomlinson Jr. was quoted in an article about how law schools across the country are using full-throttle fundraising to fill their financial gaps. The story highlighted USC Law School's $10 million donation from Jim Rogers, a graduate. Tomlinson said the "glory" of Rogers' contribution is that USC Law can spend the money the way it wants to.

May 9, 2005

MarketWatch

Prof. Ehud Kamar was quoted in a story about the possibility that Qwest Communications International may renew its pursuit of MCI Inc. The MCI board already has rejected four Qwest proposals. Either company could try to replace the MCI board with a slate of directors more favorable to a Qwest deal. Even if the effort were successful, the process could take three months or longer, Kamar said.

May 8, 2005

Orange County Register

Prof. Gregory Keating was quoted in a story about professional athletes who injure themselves while participating in risky activities. Keating said a debilitating injury resulting from a breach could void an athlete's entire contract.

May 8, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Associate Dean Robert Saltzman to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission on Monday. Saltzman previously worked in two positions with Los Angeles County. "It's helpful to have experience in both because policy issues naturally arise involving ethics, but also it's important that ethics rules be practical, not so complicated they can't be followed," he said. The Los Angeles Daily News also wrote about Saltzman's appointment.

May 4, 2005

Reuters TV

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth discussed the prosecution's case in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial and what trial watchers can expect in the weeks ahead. She said the defense should be cautious and not put on any witnesses with a potential of backfiring, since that hurt the prosecution's case.

May 3, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Dean Matthew Spitzer was quoted in a story about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to consider whether colleges and universities can ban military recruiters from campus without fear of losing federal funds. Since 2002, USC Law School has provided military recruiters with regular access to students as it awaits clarification of the ruling. Spitzer said that would continue to be the case. "This doesn't change our situation at all for the moment," he said. "We'll wait for the Supreme Court to make a decision." A separate Associated Press story was carried widely, including in the New York Times.

May 3, 2005

MarketWatch

Prof. Ehud Kamar was quoted in a story about the future of Qwest Communications International after it failed to acquire MCI Inc. To win the takeover bid of MCI over Qwest, Verizon Communications Inc. had to raise its bid from $6.7 billion to $8.4 billion. "You might as well try to make Verizon a little weaker in the process," Kamar said. This story was carried in Investor's Business Daily and Forbes.

May 2, 2005

The Washington Post

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the credibility problems of many of the former employees at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch as they testify at the pop star's child molestation trial. "Just because somebody's got possibly some sort of ulterior motive doesn't mean they're lying," Rosenbluth said.

May 1, 2005

Los Angeles Daily News

Prof. Edward McCaffery was quoted in a story about the skepticism that surrounds President Bush's proposal to consolidate individual retirement accounts. "If you don't have discretionary funds to save, this doesn't really help you that much," said McCaffery, author of "Fair not Flat."

April 30, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a news analysis of how Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has revisited a Republican mainstay – illegal immigration – as his popularity wanes. "It wasn't just Republicans who were upset that [former Gov.] Gray Davis signed a bill granting licenses to illegal immigrants," Garrett said. However, the governor's praise of the Minuteman Project may have given Democrats a tool to use against him, she said.

April 29, 2005

Newsweek

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about the Michael Jackson’s child molestation trial. Despite a bad week of testimony from prosecution witnesses, including Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe, Rosenbluth said the government hasn't lost yet.“What the prosecution has going for it is sheer volume,” said Rosenbluth. “I think what the prosecution is hoping is that when you add (all of the testimony) up, it’s going to lead them to a guilty verdict.”

April 29, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about California Attorney General Bill Lockyer's announcement that he will not run for governor next year. Garrett said that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would enter the gubernatorial race "in a very strong position."

April 28, 2005

Indianapolis Star

In her syndicated column, Prof. Susan Estrich wrote about how many people will protest college graduation speakers. "Commencements, which are for everybody, are for that reason no place for politics... They should be about the students, their world, what you can say that might matter to them," Estrich wrote.

April 26, 2005

Associated Press TV

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth discussed the prosecution's case so far. She stressed that the evidence of other prior alleged molestation is critical to the government's case.

April 24, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth discussed how jurors in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial might react to inconsistencies in some of the testimony so far. She said the jurors might find some lies easier to excuse than others. For example, the accuser testified that he lied to a school official when he said Jackson had not molested him because he did not want to be teased by his classmates. "A lot of kids might lie to avoid being teased by other kids," Rosenbluth said. "I think that's something that jurors will feel did not really discredit everything he said." Many newspapers, including The Washington Post and USA Today, carried this story by The Associated Press.

April 22, 2005

Science Magazine

Prof. Thomas Lyon and a team of national scholars published the article, "The Science of Child Sexual Abuse." The group recommended major policy changes on child sexual abuse research, including calling for the creation of a new center on child abuse and interpersonal violence housed at the National Institutes of Health.

April 21, 2005

WBUR-FM

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed on "Here & Now" about the resistance Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's reform agenda faces in California. "What he needs to do is to really decide on what are the most important initiatives to him and focus his firepower on those," Garrett said.

April 21, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. David Cruz was quoted in a story about eight school districts and a teachers' union suing the U.S. Department of Education. The plaintiffs claim that the states have been forced to spend their own funds to meet federal "No Child Left Behind" requirements. "If the facts about educational spending are as the plaintiffs allege, then this lawsuit has good prospects of winning," Cruz said. "It is a strong case because the statutory language is clear. The law says nothing in the act shall be interpreted to impose requirements that aren't being funded." This story was carried widely in other newspapers.

April 21, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about a panel that discussed "fixing" the state's initiative process. Garrett said that money is a sufficient condition for getting a measure on the ballot.

April 19, 2005

San Bernardino Sun

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the future of Roe v. Wade. "It would be naive to say [Roe v. Wade is] not at risk, but claims of its vulnerability are overstated," Garrett said. "So far, not even some of the Republican (Supreme Court) nominees have had the stomach to overturn Roe v. Wade."

April 18, 2005

KAHL-Radio

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was a guest on the George McKenzie talk-radio show in San Antonio, Texas, discussing the Michael Jackson child molestation case.

April 16, 2005

Marketwatch

Prof. Ehud Kamar was quoted about the challenges Qwest Communications can make in MCI's decision to accept a lower takeover bid made by Verizon. "You can run a 'vote no' campaign. It sends a powerful message if shareholders vote in large numbers against current management," Kamar said.

April 15, 2005

The Guardian

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about the declining approval rating of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Last week, Schwarzenegger, facing intense opposition, pulled back on his pension reform plan. "By leaving the field of battle now, he minimizes the fallout from the campaign," Garrett said. "He reduces the opposition he's facing, and he focuses most of his strength on the other battles."

April 13, 2005

Associated Press Television

Prof. Daniel Klerman was interviewed about the Recording Industry Association of America's announcement that it will sue 405 college students at 18 colleges and universities, including USC, for illegally downloading music and movies on the Internet2 network. Klerman explained that the liability of students and the universities for music and video downloads were very different from a legal perspective. Students are pretty clearly liable under copyright law for unauthorized downloads. On the other hand, recent federal legislation, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, was designed to immunize Internet service providers, including universities, if they followed certain procedures, including terminating the accounts of repeat infringers.

April 12, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Jennifer Urban was quoted throughout a story about the Grouper file-sharing network. Grouper's creators say the network does not violate copyright laws. Urban said she uses Grouper, which allows users to pick and choose with whom they will share files, to watch home movies of her 7-month-old nephew in England. "They really have mined the Copyright Act for all the opportunities for sharing digital files," she said of Grouper's creators.

April 12, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett commented about a move by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to cancel an initiative he hoped would overhaul the state's pension system. "Those proposing change have the burden of proof," said Garrett. "That is not easy, particularly in the face of well-funded opposition."

April 11, 2005

KNX-RADIO

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was interviewed about the alternative minimum tax. It was mentioned that Garrett is a member of President Bush’s Tax Advisory Panel.

April 11, 2005

People

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about how the prosecution will be able to introduce evidence alleging that pop star Michael Jackson molested or inappropriately touched five boys in the 1990s. "By allowing this testimony, the prosecution intends to show that Jackson had a pattern of this behavior," Rosenbluth said.

April 10, 2005

The New York Times

Prof. Elizabeth Garrett was quoted in a story about how the alternative minimum tax is being used to make up for federal budget deficits. According to the article, the president ordered his tax reform advisory panel to keep any reform of the tax "revenue neutral." "My understanding is that any reform in the A.M.T. that loses money would have to be made up with offsetting revenue," said Garrett, a member of the panel.

April 9, 2005

Copley News Service

Prof. Thomas Lyon was quoted in a story about how the outcome of pop star Michael Jackson's child molestation case might hinge on the credibility of the witnesses. Some of Jackson's ex-employees and an alleged victim have testified that they saw him molest other young boys. "Jurors may not even think he committed this offense and find him guilty," Lyon said. "They may believe he should be punished for prior crimes." This story was carried widely.

April 8, 2005

Corporate Governance Highlights

Prof. Ehud Kamar was quoted about efforts by companies to move their annual shareholder's meetings to far-off venues, specifically Sempra Energy's decision to hold its annual meeting in London. "It seems clear they are trying to dodge some criticism, but the way larger institutions have voted means it doesn't matter" if smaller shareholders do not get a chance to appear at meetings.

April 7, 2005

Bloomberg

Prof. Gregory Keating was quoted in a story on Walt Disney Co.'s appeal of a court ruling that mandated stricter safety standards for its theme park rides. "Disney doesn't like to settle these things," Keating said. "It might make it easier to get a settlement because there will be more liability on behalf of Disney." This story was carried widely.

April 6, 2005

KPCC-FM

Prof. Niels Frenzen was interviewed about whether law enforcement officials in Southern California should be able to enforce immigration laws and turn suspects over for deportation. Frenzen said that many in the immigrant community want police to stop criminals who prey on fellow immigrants. The question, he said, is how immigration laws should be enforced.

April 6, 2005

The Daily Sentinel

Prof. John Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, was quoted in a story about how some Colorado legislators want to make it more difficult for voters to change laws or amend the constitution through the initiative process. "Legislatures invariably believe it is too easy to amend the [state] constitution by initiative and never seem to tire of trying to make it harder," Matsusaka said.

April 4, 2005

Los Angeles Times

Prof. Jean Rosenbluth was quoted in a story about how the number of alleged victims in the Michael Jackson child molestation case could have a cumulative effect on the jury. "There are going to be some jurors who think, 'Where there's smoke there's fire, and we wouldn't be hearing about all this stuff if there weren't something funny going on,' " said Rosenbluth.

April 1, 2005

National Public Radio

Prof. Michael Brennan was interviewed on "All Things Considered" about end-of-life decisions for California prisoners in a coma or a vegetative state. "Oftentimes people have no family, or what family members they had when they began their incarceration have died," Brennan said.

April 1, 2005

National Public Radio

Prof. David Cruz discussed the state of same-s

University of Southern California

N E W S & E V E N T S

USC | LAW

News & Events

Examining the Supreme Court Docket

Memorial Fund’s 15th Anniversary Observed

Les Moonves addresses entertainment in a digital world

Faculty in the News

December 14, 2005

Fox News

December 13, 2005

KFI-AM

December 13, 2005

Los Angeles Times

December 13, 2005

KPCC-FM

December 13, 2005

Metro Radio Networks

December 13, 2005

The Associated Press

December 13, 2005

The Press-Enterprise

December 12, 2005

People

December 12, 2005

BBC Radio

December 12, 2005

Los Angeles Times

December 6, 2005

NBC News

December 6, 2005

Metro Radio Networks

December 5, 2005

People

December 1, 2005

KFI-Radio

December 1, 2005

The Associated Press

December 1, 2005

German Public Radio

November 24, 2005

Los Angeles Times

November 23, 2005

KCET-TV

November 22, 2005

San Francisco Chronicle

November 20, 2005

Los Angeles Times

November 17, 2005

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

November 15, 2005

The New York Times

November 15, 2005

San Diego Business Journal

November 14, 2005

Time Magazine

November 11, 2005

Knight Rider

November 11, 2005

The Sacramento Bee

November 11, 2005

Los Angeles Times

November 10, 2005

The New York Times

November 10, 2005

The Wall Street Journal

November 10, 2005

Christian Science Monitor

November 9, 2005

Bloomberg

November 9, 2005

KGO-AM

November 8, 2005

Bloomberg

November 8, 2005

Japan Today

November 8, 2005

Finnish Broadcasting Co.

November 7, 2005

KABC