Faculty In the Media 2020

The following summary lists many of the instances during 2020 in which Widener Law Commonwealth faculty members have been quoted or featured in coverage by local, regional, or national news media organizations.

Please note that some news sites may require registration in order to view stories and some links may expire shortly after they are posted.

LAW360
Trump Admin. Revives Migrant Transit Ban After Court Block
December 16, 2020
Jill Family, professor and director of the Law and Government Institute at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on a final ruling by the Trump Administration to deny migrants asylum if they had passed through intermediate countries on their way to the U.S.

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Electoral College vote a big step to move past election
December 12, 2020
As the Electoral College meets to cast electoral votes in Pennsylvania, Michael R. Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, discusses the post-election role of the courts, as outlined in the Constitution.

LAW.COM
'A Challenging Argument': Tyson Foods Says Federal Law Preempts COVID-19 Lawsuits
December 10, 2020
Christopher Robinette, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, weighs in on legal challenges against Tyson Foods Inc., which argues that federal law pre-empts lawsuits brought by employees who got sick or died from COVID-19.

PENN LIVE
If Americans don’t trust elections, there is no democracy | Social Views
December 3, 2020
Opinion editor and Battleground PA podcast host Joyce Davis recaps this week's podcast that featured Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino on the 2020 election outcomes and growing voter mistrust.

PENN LIVE
The President will not concede
December 2, 2020
This Battleground PA podcast brought together a panel of experts, including Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino, to discuss post-election legal challenges and the legality of presidential pardons.

IGAMING BUSINESS
Most Influential Women 2020: Part 2
November 24, 2020
Susan Hensel, adjunct law professor at Widener Law Commonwealth and director of licensing at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, was named to the iGB Most Influential Women list.

ABC 27
New case added to complaint against Judge who blames outbursts in court on brain injury
November 24, 2020
In reference to complaints filed against Cumberland County Judge Thomas Placey, Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on the rules and procedures in place to examine a judge's behavior.

ABC 27
Trump Administration fights back as Biden holds PA with nearly 70,000 vote difference
November 23, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on lawsuits filed by Pennsylvania Republicans and the Trump Administration to dispute the state's election results.

ABC 27
Federal lawsuit tossed, state lawsuit pending to stop certification of votes in Pa.
November 21, 2020
Michael Dimino, law professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, weighs in on the latest lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court disputing the constitutionality of Act 77, which allows for mail-in ballots.

BLOOMBERG LAW
DHS Rules Jeopardized by Court’s Wolf Ruling Unless Senate Acts
November 16, 2020
After a federal ruling found that acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf is serving unlawfully, Jill Family, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, says immigration policies stand to be negatively impacted.

NEWS 5 CLEVELAND
What happens if Donald Trump refuses to leave White House?
November 16, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, discusses rules and procedures for the transition of power in the presidency.

TAMPA BAY TIMES
Trump is trying to sue and tweet his way to a second term. Could it work? | PolitiFact
November 12, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, is quoted in this article saying that even if election-related legislation succeeds in court, it's not guaranteed to change the election result.

FOX 43
Republican Attorneys General join legal action against Pennsylvania mail-in ballots
November 9, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on lawsuits challenging a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that mail-in ballots could be counted if they were received by Friday, Nov. 6.

See also: KRDO

FOX 43
Will the results of the Presidential election change? Chances are 'minimal,' says one expert
November 9, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, explains that the legal challenges or even a recount in Pennsylvania aren't likely to change the results of the presidential election.

CBS 21
Election lawyer explains PA law when it comes to recounts
November 8, 2020
This interview includes a review of what is required for a ballot recount in Pennsylvania and features Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth.

TIME MAGAZINE
Here Are All the Lawsuits the Trump Campaign Has Filed Since Election Day—And Why Most Are Unlikely to Go Anywhere
November 8, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on one of the Trump campaign lawsuits and its potential impact on the election.

See also: Yahoo! News

LEHIGH VALLEY LIVE
Can Pennsylvanians buy weed in New Jersey and smoke it at home? Legal expert weighs in.
November 7, 2020
While New Jersey approved the sale of recreational marijuana, Michal Buchhandler-Raphael, assistant professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, says Pennsylvania law still prohibits marijuana use and possession.

CBS 21
Trump, GOP election lawsuits remain undecided as Pennsylvania counts mail in ballots
November 5, 2020
Election law expert Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, spoke on air about lawsuits filed by the Trump Campaign and the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, challenging portions of the state's election-counting process. Dimino spoke on the same topic with Law360 and 13 KRCG.

CBS 21
Legal challenge regarding the attempt to cure invalid votes filed
November 3, 2020
In this video interview, Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, discusses the lawsuit filed by Pennsylvania Republicans yesterday challenging ballot counting and explains the potential election law violations.

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR
Pa., the electoral battleground: What you need to know about the Keystone State and the Electoral College
November 3, 2020
This article, featuring Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino, discusses the Electoral College procedure in Pennsylvania and what changes to the system could mean for the battleground state.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE
Elections officials brace for long vote count as talks on reform crater in Harrisburg
October 20, 2020
As Pennsylvania and other states prepare for a longer-than-usual election result determination, Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino explains why a long count time can lead to disputes between candidates.

THE RICK UNGER SHOW
Episode: October 13, 2020
October 13, 2020
Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino spoke on air about the idea of conservatism on the Supreme Court. His two-part interview can be listened to here: part one and part two.

PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER
Democrats and some Republicans express concern with proposed "election integrity" panel
October 2, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, commented on a new committee in the Pennsylvania Legislature to oversee the integrity of the 2020 election.

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR
After fiery unveiling, some Republicans express concern with House election integrity panel
October 1, 2020
Michael R. Dimino, professor at Widener Commonwealth Law School, commented on constitutional language regarding secret ballots in Pennsylvania.

THE HILL
Why every justice should be an originalist
October 1, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Commonwealth Law School, writes an opinion piece on why every justice should be an originalist. See also: MSN

THE HILL
Why every justice should be an originalist
September 30, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Commonwealth Law School, writes an opinion piece on why every justice should be an originalist. See also: MSN

ABC 27
Harrisburg law professor speaks on Trump Supreme Court nomination
September 28, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Commonwealth Law School, was live on air discussing the U.S. Supreme Court nomination process and what Judge Amy Coney Barrett's appointment could mean for the court.

READER'S DIGEST
Do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?
September 25, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Commonwealth Law School, is quoted in this article that examines the reasoning behind lifetime appointments on the U.S. Supreme Court.

DELAWARE STATE NEWS
Law experts predict vote by mail in Delaware will withstand lawsuit
September 25, 2020
As a Delaware Court of Chancery judge weighs whether to rule vote-by-mail unconstitutional Michael Dimino, professor of law at Commonwealth Law School, says that courts are unlikely to change the rules so close to the election.

BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES
'Disaster is looming' in Pennsylvania election
September 22, 2020
Experts, including Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino, weigh in on a potential looming clash over the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.

See also: Star Gazette, Pocono Record, The News Journal, Sussex Countian

LAW.COM
'New Waters for the Law': Dismissal of Cruise Passengers' COVID-19 Lawsuits Stresses Hurdles for Proving Causation, Damages
September 8, 2020
Christopher Robinette, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, is quoted saying that a recent dismissal of cruise passengers' COVID-19 lawsuits may not bode well for attorneys looking to bring lawsuits on behalf of COVID-19 victims.

PENNSYLVANIA LAWYER
The Case for Elder Law in Pennsylvania
September 8, 2020
Mary Catherine Scott, acting director of the Central Pennsylvania Clinics at Widener Law Commonwealth, discusses the clinic's work with older constituents and needed changes to elder law in Pennsylvania.

RESILIENCE
Lawyers Wanted to Help Decarbonize the US Economy
August 27, 2020
This article highlights the joint effort co-led by Widener Law Commonwealth's Environmental Law and Sustainability Center and its director Professor John Dernbach to issue and implement decarbonization regulations in the country.

FOX 43
Pres. Trump considers Gettysburg to deliver RNC nomination acceptance speech
August 11, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, outlines a legal roadblock that President Trump will face if he chooses to accept the Republican presidential nomination at Gettysburg National Military Park.

THE DAILY PRINCETONIAN
U. ‘considering next steps’ as Trump administration defies court order, rejects DACA applications
August 9, 2020
Jill Family, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, is quoted in this article that examines the Trump administration's rejection of new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

WITF
Proposed constitutional amendment would move Pa. to regional elections for supreme, appeals courts
July 22, 2020
Commonwealth Law Professor Michael R. Dimino comments in this story on a proposed constitutional amendment that would move Pennsylvania to regional elections for its Supreme and Appeals Courts.

WHYY
Wolf asserts emergency powers to justify withholding federal money from Lebanon County
July 17, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor at Commonwealth Law School, discusses gubernatorial use of emergency power.

WITF
Smart Talk Monday: A historic Supreme Court term ends; July tax day questions
July 12, 2020
Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino provides context to the latest Supreme Court rulings.

ABC 27
Judge blames outbursts in courtroom on brain injury
July 9, 2020
Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino says that a Cumberland County judge's brain injury does not excuse his explosive behavior in court that led to charges filed against him.

PENN LIVE
Wolf and Levine want it ‘socially unacceptable’ to be caught without a face mask 
July 2, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on Gov. Tom Wolf's expanded order that requires a face mask in outdoor settings.

PA POST
Two for the price of one: Pair of proposed amendments to state constitution head to Pa. House
June 29, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, comments on two constitutional amendments, one addressing emergency powers, the other addressing racial equality, in front of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

TRIB LIVE
Food & Water Watch hosting fracking webinars for South Hills communities
June 18, 2020
John C. Dernbach, professor of environmental law and sustainability at Widener Law Commonwealth, will be a panelist on an upcoming webinar hosted by Food & Water Watch.

PENN LIVE
Wolf’s authority to keep emergency declaration is challenged, but likely to hold up in court, legal experts say
June 10, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, weighs in on the constitutionality of the Pennsylvania legislature's resolution to end Governor Wolf's emergency declaration.

THE COLLEGE FIX
Supreme Court must protect pro-life student speech even if it’s ‘unprofessional,’ groups argue in briefs
June 2, 2020
Michael R. Dimino, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, is among the authors who filed a brief to the Supreme Court in support of an ongoing case involving University of New Mexico medical student Paul Hunt.

THE HILL
Ending lockdowns is a decision for the people, not just the experts
May 24, 2020
As co-author of this opinion article, Michael Dimino, professor of law Widener Law Commonwealth, writes that the decision to re-open the country should be made based on scientific information as well as public input.

PENN LIVE
Climate change: What happens if democracies let merchants run the government
May 17, 2020
Donald A. Brown, scholar in residence at Widener Law Commonwealth, an expert on environmental ethics and law, endorses Tom Brier campaign for Congress and his support of reducing carbon emissions in the U.S. in this opinion article.

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR
The Founders prepared us for most things. Even they couldn’t see Donald Trump coming
May 15, 2020
Michael J. Cozzillio, professor emeritus of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, co-authors this opinion piece on a leadership void in the executive branch of the federal government.

NEWSWEEK
CAN STATES DECLARE BANKRUPTCY? MITCH MCCONNELL FLOATED THE OPTION BUT EXPERTS SAY CURRENT LAW DOESN'T ALLOW IT
April 28, 2020
Juliet Moringiello, an associate dean of research at Widener Law Commonwealth, reacts to Sen. Leader Mitch McConnell's notion that states go bankrupt amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

NJ SPOTLIGHT
Critics of LNG Plan Say Army Corps Failed to Assess Impacts Before Issuing Permit
April 27, 2020
John Dernbach, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, weighs in as environmental groups criticize the proposed first liquefied natural gas export terminal in New Jersey.

THE EPOCH TIMES
Protesters Across Nation Call for Easing of Lockdown Measures
April 23, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, weighs in on the potential abuse of government power, especially during emergencies such as the Coronavirus-related lock downs.

See also: Non Perele

COLUMBIA MAGAZINE
A Time-Out For the Planet
April 22, 2020
In celebration of Earth Day, this magazine article highlights the book "Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization" co-edited by John Dernbach, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, that outlines 1,500 recommendations for federal, state, and local actions to decarbonize the economy.

THE HILL
Government should be limited — even during a pandemic
April 20, 2020
Michael Dimino, professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth, co-authors this opinion piece outlining that government power can only be exercised according to limits established in the Constitution and laws.

STATE OF THE PLANET
New Website Will Help Steer the U.S. Away From Fossil Fuels
April 15, 2020
Features a new website co-launched by John Dernbach, professor of environmental law and sustainability and director of the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center at Widener Law Commonwealth, to help accelerate a sustainable U.S. transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

THE FEDERALIST SOCIETY
Buckley v. Valeo
March 23, 2020
In this video, Widener Law Commonwealth Professor Michael Dimino discusses Buckley v. Valeo and why it is the most important campaign finance case ever decided by the Supreme Court.

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR

The world is getting warmer. What can Pennsylvania do about it? 

March 3, 2020

Don Brown, professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, shares expert commentary in this article about warming temperatures and warns that climate change will lead to a rise in international migration.

LEBANON DAILY NEWS

Why another Pa. town passed 2nd Amendment sanctuary rule even though it can't be enforced 

March 3, 2020

This article discusses a new resolution in Jackson Township, Lebanon County declaring the municipality a "Second Amendment sanctuary," and quotes Robert Power, professor emeritus at Widener Law Commonwealth. 

CBS 21

Widener University Commonwealth Law School hosts 13th Annual Dean's Diversity Forum 

February 28, 2020

Coverage of Widener Law Commonwealth's 13th Annual Dean's Diversity Forum which hosted experts to discuss various topics including race relations, minority law, and civil rights.

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR

Warren and Landrieu? That could be just for the ticket for 2020 Dems 

February 25, 2020

Michael J. Cozzillio, emeritus professor at Widener Law Commonwealth, writes about what a U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu Democratic ticket could accomplish.

PENN LIVE

Widener University reflects on the Harlem Renaissance and W.E.B. Du Bois 

February 25, 2020

Ahead of a conference on the Harlem Renaissance presented by historian Randall Westbrook at Widener Law Commonwealth, Dean Christian Johnson and Professor Randy Lee write about the impact of W.E.B. Du Bois who Westbrook will highlight as a leading figure in African American Black history and the Civil Rights Movement. 

FOX 43 NEWS

Harrisburg Catholic Diocese Bankruptcy Likely to have Impact on Schools, Churches 

February 20, 2020

Juliet Moringiello, professor and associate dean for Research and Faculty Development at Widener Law Commonwealth, provides legal commentary following the Harrisburg Catholic Diocese's announcement that it filed for bankruptcy. The interview was also featured on ABC 16-WNEP.

NPR

Wolf’s cap-and-trade proposal takes a step forward 

February 13, 2020

John Dernbach, professor and director the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center at Widener's Commonwealth Law School, is quoted in support of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC

Five-Year Law Degree Now a Reality 

January 30, 2020

Widener Law Commonwealth signed an agreement with Central Penn College to create a “2+3” program that allows students to earn a law degree in five years. Dean Christian Johnson is quoted. Additional coverage of the agreement is featured in PennLive.

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR

It’s nearly ‘High Noon’ in the U.S. Senate. Is there a hero who will step up to stop Trump? 

January 28, 2020

Former Professor at Widener Commonwealth Law School Michael J. Cozzillio co-authored this opinion piece focused on current events in the U.S. Senate.

BLOOMBERG

Trump Aims to Reel in Climate Reviews While Courts Say Otherwise 

January 9, 2020

Commonwealth Law School Professor and Director of the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center John Dernbach is quoted in this article that discusses the Trump administration's proposal to change National Environmental Policy Act regulations.

E&E NEWS

Big firms become climate advocates 

January 7, 2020

Mentions Widener Law Commonwealth Professor and Director of the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center John Dernbach and his work to outline legal measures that can reduce greenhouse has emissions.  

PENNSYLVANIA CAPITAL-STAR

If the Dems want to win the White House in 2020, they need to nominate Mitch Landrieu. This is why 

January 5, 2020

Widener Law Commonwealth Emeritus Professor Michael Cozzillio endorses Mitch Landrieu, former mayor of New Orleans, for president in this co-authored opinion article.