Everyday thousands of humans and millions of nonhumans endure solitary confinement. Human prisoners held in this way are confined for 22 to 24 hours a day for weeks, months, or even years on end in cells the size of a parking space. For these humans, the experience is tortuous. Captive animals held in solitary confinement similarly spend much of their lives locked into tiny spaces, isolated, and deprived of the types of interactions and environment essential to their wellbeing. And, like humans, they are driven mad. In human and nonhuman settings, the agony of solitary is chillingly alike and harmful. And, in neither setting is it justifiable or necessary.
In their article, , published in Nebraska Law Review, Haub Law Professors Michael Mushlin and David Cassuto use a comparative format to examine the moral, penological and scientific shortcomings of solitary confinement across species. The article sheds light on the importance of empowering all creatures subjected to solitary confinement. ýIf we adequately protect all vulnerable beings, the unnecessary suffering inflicted by solitary confinement will finally end,ý they write.
After spending the last 35 years pursuing a career in finance, Todd Jacobson ý27 decided to switch gears and pursue a law degree. ýAfter the COVID-19 pandemic, the potentially negative longer lasting consequences became abundantly clear ý from educational outcomes to healthcare access, and more. I would like to pursue a career in public policy to work on these issues.ý
Elisabeth Haub School of Law Professor Josh Galperin speaks with Bloomberg Law about proposed changes to the federal civil service system, highlighting how the plan strategically favors the current administration.
Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman continues to offer insightful commentary on the Trump administrationýs immigration crackdown. He warns that the president is "using every weapon at his disposal" and stresses the consequences of undermining judicial independence.