Video and Podcasts

“Reproductive Options for LGBT Families”
April 17, 2013

OutLaw and the Health Law Society sponsored this event to explore the various medical and legal issues that same-sex couples face when attempting to create a family. The event will focus on Alternative Reproductive Technology (ART).

“The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Japanese Strategic Diplomacy or Chinese Containment”
April 3, 2013

Professor Larry Backer presents a lecture on his paper “The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Japanese Strategic Diplomacy or Chinese Containment”

Access to the paper and PowerPoint presentation are available online.

“The Role of the Courts: Judicial Review of Arbitral Awards and Mediated Settlement Agreements”
February 22, 2013

What is the role of judicial review when a party to arbitration seeks to vacate the arbitrator’s award? What is the role of the courts when an unhappy party seeks to set aside a mediated agreement? Top scholars of dispute resolution examine these questions and more.

Introduction and Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3

“The U.S.-Iranian Relationship and the Future of International Order”
February 15, 2013

This symposium assesses the nature of current U.S.-Iranian relations and explores how the two state’s strategic choices will affect the international order in the future. The launch point for the symposium is the forthcoming publication of Going to Tehran by Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett, from which a number of related issues may be examined, including how current interpretations of the NPT will impact its future viability as well as U.S. policy on threshold states, and the effect that an Israeli or U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear targets, absent Security Council authorization, will have on the way other rising non-Western powers perceive the current institutional and legal frameworks governing the use of force.

Welcome and Introductions
Panel 1 
Panel 2 
Closing Address

“The U.S. in Sub-Saharan Africa — Reflections” 
February 14, 2013

David C. Bennett, Professor of African Studies & Public Speaking for Strategic Leaders, United States Army War College, gave an informal seminar on “The U.S. in Sub-Saharan Africa — Reflections.”

“World AIDS Day: A discussion”
December 3, 2012

Join Attorney Sarah R. Schalman-Bergen for an update on HIV/AIDS law and policy and a discussion of protections afforded individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Schalman-Bergen recently represented a 14 year-old boy denied admission to the Milton Hershey School because he was born HIV-positive. The case settled in September, and the school has since announced that it will treat applicants with HIV the same as others.

“The Role of International Arbitral Tribunals in Post-Conflict Dispute Resolution”
November 14, 2012

Tom Snider of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in Washington, DC spoke on "The Role of International Arbitral Tribunals in Post-Conflict Dispute Resolution." Drawing on his experience as counsel to the Government of Ethiopia before the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission, a tribunal established to adjudicate state-to-state claims for loss, damage, and injury arising from violations of international law during the 1998-2000 armed conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, Mr. Snider discussed the mechanics of such tribunals and the challenges of adjudicating claims before them.

“Kill-Lists and Accountability”
November 12, 2012

Gregory McNeal is a scholar of national security with a particular interest in institutions and challenges associated with global security. He is an associate professor of law at Pepperdine University School of Law and has also served as assistant director of the Institute for Global Security, co-director of a transnational counterterrorism program at the Department of Justice, and an advisor to the chief prosecutor of the Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions.

“The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth: A Citizen’s Guide to the Issues”
November 1, 2012

Professor Sam Thompson, Director of the Center for the Study of Mergers and Acquisitions, discusses his book “The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth: A Citizen’s Guide to the Issues.”

 “Wealth and Estate Planning for Same-Sex or Unmarried Couples”
October 23, 2012

This event provided attendees interested in estate planning with a review of the divergent state and federal laws on relationship recognition of same-sex couples. Tamara Kolz Griffin, practitioner of estate law and professor at Harvard Law School, outlined best practices for drafting key documents and explored opportunities for estate, tax and family planning for unmarried partners.

“Iraq: Leadership Under Pressure”
October 22, 2012

Former general James Dubik, the Gen. Omar N. Bradley Chair in Strategic Leadership at Penn State Law, presented “Iraq: Leadership Under Pressure,” an examination of civilian-military leadership during the 2007-08 surge in Iraq. During the surge, Gen. Dubik had command responsibility for training all Iraqi security forces, military and police, as well as responsibility for advising the ministers of defense and interior.

Professional challenges for JAG lawyers at Guantanamo
October 22, 2012

This program will be of interest to all law school and SIA faculty and students who are interested in the JAG Corps and the role of prosecutors and defense counsel in exercising independent professional judgment in an adjudicatory context that implicates often profound conflicts between national security interests on the one hand, and procedural fairness and justice on the other.

American Constitution Society — Life After Murder
October 17, 2012

Meet award-winning journalist, Nancy Mullane, author of Life After Murder: Five Men in Search of Redemption. Mullane shared a sneak-peek into the fascinating and problematic chasm she discovered between the rehabilitative goal of incarceration and the harsh reality of a society that makes finding jobs, neighbors, and acceptance difficult for those who have served their time.

Neustar president and CEO Lisa Hook '83 visits campus
October 12, 2012

Lisa Hook '83, president and CEO of Neustar, presented “The enormous opportunities and challenges of the Internet age—and why lawyers are essential to ensuring the stability of the global digital economy”. Hook received the Penn State Alumni Fellow Award, in recognition of outstanding work in her field.

Modern Day Prosecutor: 100 Years in the Pursuit of Justice
September 24, 2012

The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, as part of its 100th celebration, held a panel discussion that examined the evolution of the role of District Attorney and how it differs among jurisdictions. 

“The Ravi/Clementi Case”
September 11, 2012

Susan J. Abraham, professor of law at New York Law School, discussed The Ravi/Clementi Case.

In September 2010, Dharun Ravi used a webcam to spy on his roommate Tyler Clementi having sex with another man in a Rutgers University dorm. Clementi committed suicide a few days later. Abraham will discuss aspects of this case including hate crime, high-tech bullying on college campuses, and privacy.

Immigration Remedies for Victims of Domestic Abuse 
September 7, 2012

Get the nuts and bolts from immigration and domestic violence experts about the law relating to U visa, T visa, and VAWA Protections.

Welcome, Introductions and Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3

“Post-conflict Nation Building: Why It Isn't Easy”
April 26, 2012

Peter Van Buren is the author of We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for Hearts and Minds of Iraqi People. His talk is part of The School of International Affairs' Global Issues Colloquium, bringing leading thinkers, authors, and scholars to Penn State to discuss the latest research and trends in foreign relations, conflict resolution, food security, poverty, religion, terrorism, and nation building.

The Obama vs. Romney Debate on Economic Growth: A Citizen's Guide to the Issues
August 27, 2012

Professor Sam Thompson, Director of the Center for the Study of Mergers and Acquisitions, discusses his book.

Lt. Col. Richard Ingrum presents 21st Century National Security Challenges: A Whole of Government Approach
April 19, 2012

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Ingrum, U.S. Air Force, presented 21st Century National Security Challenges: A Whole of Government Approach. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Ingrum is a graduate student in the Masters in Strategic Studies program at the U.S. Army War College, and his research focuses on the development of integrated security partnerships, and the role of the military in fostering such relationships.

Civil Rights advocate Dr. Gary Orfield on access to education and Fisher v. University of Texas
April 19, 2012

Dr. Orfield discussed Fisher v. University of Texas, a case centering on whether the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteen Amendment allows the University of Texas to use a student's race in undergraduate admissions decisions. The Supreme Court granted certiorari in the Fisher case in February 2012.

“Power and Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific”
April 12, 2012

This roundtable discussion on Smart Power, International Law and Policy is being hosted by the International Law Society and the School of International Affairs Student Government Association.

Featured speakers include Professor P.J. Crowley (Omar Bradley Chair in Strategic Leadership), Dr. Douglas Paal (Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace), and Graham Fletcher (Chargé de Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC).

“Energy, Economics, and the Lost Art of Grand Strategy: American Policy Toward the Persian Gulf and Rising Asia in the 21st Century”
April 3, 2012

Professor Flynt Leverett's presentation is part of a year-long lecture series sponsored by the Penn State Journal of Law and International Affairs, published jointly by students at Penn State Law and the Penn State School of International Affairs. The purpose of the lecture series is to identify and understand the threats, responses and accountability mechanisms that will define the future national security configuration, and to influence policymakers toward a coherent, effective strategy.

Former State Department planning chief Anne-Marie Slaughter speaks on National Security
March 15, 2012

Anne-Marie Slaughter presented “The Big Picture: Beyond Hot Spots & Crises in Our Interconnected World” at Penn State Law. Appointed by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on January 23, 2009, Slaughter served as director of policy planning until 2011 and is now a professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University.

PETA legal chief addresses animal rights
March 14, 2012

Jeff Kerr, general counsel for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) shared the latest on the legal and policy issues surrounding the growing area of animal rights.

“U.S. Arbitration Law in the Wake of AT&T Mobility vs. Concepcion”
February 22, 2012

The Yearbook on Arbitration and Mediation sponsored this symposium featuring high profile arbitration experts: Richard Reuben, Missouri School of Law; Richard Bales, Northern Kentucky School of Law; Jill Gross, Pace School of Law; Michael Helfand, Pepperdine School of Law; Sandra Partridge, AAA; Steve Bennett, Jones Day; John Feerick, Fordham; Terry Moritz, Goldberg Kohn; Hiro Aragaki, Loyola School of Law; and others.

“Responding to Child Sexual Abuse: Legal, Medical, and Ethical Perspectives” 
January 24, 2012

This event covered the issues related to: legal definition of child abuse in Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania’s mandatory reporting law; dynamics of child sexual abuse; and the ethical conflicts of interest that arise in reporting abuse. 

Additional information on the program

“Justice Unfunded — Justice Undone? Assuring Sustainable Funding for Courts”
November 10, 2011

A distinguished list of speakers and panelists discussed the consequences of an unfunded judiciary on democracy — whether in Pennsylvania or the other 49 states at both the state and federal levels. In addition, the forum explored how Pennsylvania’s judiciary, as is true in other states, is joining with the other branches to be part of the solution, rather than a problem, in addressing the ongoing budget shortfalls.

“Bringing Mediation to Investor State Disputes: Suggestions From Dispute System Design and Procedural Justice”
November 9, 2011

Professor Nancy Welsh and Professor Andrea Schneider hosted this lunch and learn presentation about their paper for Penn State Journal of Law and International Affairs upcoming inaugural issue. 

“WikiLeaks: One Year Later”
October 25, 2011

Philip J. Crowley, the General Omar N. Bradley Chair in Strategic Leadership will address the impact that WikiLeaks has had on global politics and the media and the implications for national security policies. 

“Perilous Seas: Piracy in the 21st Century”
September 26, 2011

Organized by Professor John Lopatka, Perilous Seas: Piracy in the 21st Century featured a discussion on the law of the sea, enforcement of admiralty law, and a historical perspective on piracy with Vice Admiral James Houck, Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Professor Joel Samuels of University of South Carolina School of Law, and Professor Clive Schofield, Director of Research and ARC Future Fellow at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security. The event was hosted by the Penn State Journal of Law and International Affairs.

“The Real Deal On The NFL Players Agreement with Doug Allen”
September 22, 2011

The Penn State Institute for Sports Law, Policy, and Research hosted a discussion and question/answer session on legal and strategic aspects of the new NFL labor deal with Doug Allen, Visiting Professor of Practice/ Labor Leader in Residence in the Department of Labor & Industrial Relations. 

“The 9/11 Effect and its Legacy on U.S. Immigration Laws”
September 16, 2011

In the 10 years after the terror attacks of September 11, the Federal government created dozens of programs aimed at terrorists that impacted tens of thousands of individual immigrants and their families.

Welcome by Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia
Immigration and Human Rights Panel
Immigration and National Security Panel
Plenary with Erich Scherfen and Rubina Tareen
Steven Rubin Photographs
Immigration and Race Panel

”Ten Years since 9-11”
September 9, 2011

Penn State's International Center for the Study of Terrorism presented “Ten Years since 9-11,” featuring Arif Alikhan, Distinguished Professor of Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, National Defense University.

Disasters in Japan: a community discussion one month after the earthquake
April 11, 2011

SIA Professor John A. Kelmelis moderated a discussion featuring experts from throughout the university about the impact and implications of the disasters in Japan from a variety of perspectives to include Culture and Society, Nuclear Power and Energy, the economy, and the culture.

“Guantanamo Dilemmas: What's Next?”
March 30, 2011

Major General John D. Altenburg Jr. discussed the ethical, policy, and legal dilemmas regarding detention, rendition, interrogation, and the use of military commissions in the war against al-Qaeda and other terrorists.

Intelligent Design Forum with Judge Jones and Professor Frank Ravitch 
March 21, 2011

Penn State Law hosted this forum on intelligent design featuring U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III '80 and Frank Ravitch '91, Professor of Law and Walter H. Stowers Chair in Law and Religion at Michigan State University College of Law. During the open forum, Judge Jones and Professor Ravitch discussed their judicial and scholarly work regarding the constitutionality of teaching intelligent design in public schools.

“Business and the Law”
February 23, 2011

Faculty members Professor John E. Lopatka, a leading scholar of antitrust law, and Associate Dean Marie T. Reilly and Dewey & LeBouf partner David M. Smith introduce career paths in business and the law, including mergers and acquisitions, antitrust, and bankruptcy law. The panel provides a glimpse into what it means to be a practitioner in these fields.

”The Arbitrator as Judge ... and Judge of Jurisdiction Symposium”
February 16, 2011

This year's symposium focuses upon two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and through analysis of these cases, the symposium will explore three “powers” of the arbitrator: 1) procedural, 2) decisional, and 3) jurisdictional. Ultimately, the symposium will address the question of whether arbitrators have too much or too little power and whether arbitrators should be trusted with extensive, judge-like powers.

“Science and the Law”
February 2, 2011

The first in a series of four panels which talk about specialized fields of practice. Featured panelists include Penn State Law Professors Jamison E. Colburn, EPA Litigator and Environmental Policy Authority; Eileen M. Kane, Biotechnology and Patent Law Expert; and Anna B. Laakmann, M.D. and Intellectual Property Expert.

“Critical Issues in National Security and International Law”
November 5, 2010

Vice Admiral James W. Houck became the 41st judge advocate general (JAG) of the Navy on Aug. 14, 2009. As the judge advocate general, Houck is the principal military legal counsel to the secretary of the Navy and chief of Naval Operations. He leads the attorneys, enlisted legalmen, and civilian employees of the worldwide Navy JAG Corps community.

10/19/2010
“Ethics in Government”

“Ethics in Government”
October 19, 2010

Richard Ben-Veniste is one of the nation’s leading trial lawyers. He first achieved national prominence during the mid-1970s, when he served as Chief of the Watergate Special Prosecutor’s Watergate Task Force. He played a lead role in exposing and investigating the infamous "18 1/2 Minute Gap" in the Nixon White House tapes, devising the legal strategy to name President Nixon an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the Watergate prosecution, and prosecuting the criminal cases against Nixon’s top White House advisors. 

“State Constitutionalism in the 21st Century”
September 22, 2010

More than a dozen of the nation’s most prominent constitutional law scholars including Robert F. Williams, Distinguished Professor of Law and Associate Director, Center for State Constitutional Studies Rutgers, and Hon. Jack L. Landau, Justice-elect of the Oregon Supreme Court, come together to explore the next generation of issues in state constitutions.

“Fire in the Eastern United States”
Thursday, April 1, 2010

Sponsored by the Penn State Environmental Law Review, this symposium will examine fire policy and planning east of the Mississippi.  Keynote speaker Stephen J. Pyne is Regents' Professor at Arizona State University, a former MacArthur Fellow and the author of more than a dozen books on fire and its history. His earliest experience with wildfires was as a member of a fire crew in Grand Canyon National Park. Professor Pyne is a member of the Wildfire Advisory Group for the U.N. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.

“Beyond Rhetoric: The State of Iran — Its Policies, Politics, and Global Impact”
February 15, 2010

Penn State Law's International Law Society and School of International Affairs' Student Government Association will present "Beyond Rhetoric: The State of Iran — Its Policies, Politics and Global Impact" at the Lewis Katz Building, University Park.

View the presentation or download a podcast.