Jonathan Hafetz
@jonathanhafetz.bsky.social
Professor of Law at Seton Hall University. Formerly ACLU senior attorney. Host of Law on Film podcast.
What does Alabama’s prison system tell us about punishment in America? On Law on Film podcast, I talk with civil rights lawyer Joe Margulies about "The Alabama Solution" and his new book, "Cast Out: A Call for a Forgiving Society in an Age of Incarceration":
www.lawonfilm.com/alabama-solu...
www.lawonfilm.com/alabama-solu...
Ep 63: The Alabama Solution — Law on Film
www.lawonfilm.com
September 16, 2026 at 2:57 PM
What does Alabama’s prison system tell us about punishment in America? On Law on Film podcast, I talk with civil rights lawyer Joe Margulies about "The Alabama Solution" and his new book, "Cast Out: A Call for a Forgiving Society in an Age of Incarceration":
www.lawonfilm.com/alabama-solu...
www.lawonfilm.com/alabama-solu...
As I explain @lawfaremedia.org, denying habeas review for individuals detained for constitutionally protected speech effects a suspension of the Great Writ.
lnkd.in/g_4XkNnA
lnkd.in/g_4XkNnA
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
September 5, 2026 at 8:37 PM
As I explain @lawfaremedia.org, denying habeas review for individuals detained for constitutionally protected speech effects a suspension of the Great Writ.
lnkd.in/g_4XkNnA
lnkd.in/g_4XkNnA
Reposted by Jonathan Hafetz
"The Trump administration’s efforts to detain and deport students, scholars, and others for their advocacy and participation in protests surrounding Israel’s war in Gaza show how habeas can be undermined without ever formally suspending the writ," writes @jonathanhafetz.bsky.social.
Free Speech, Deportation, and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus
Denying habeas review of detention for protected speech risks accomplishing in practice what the Constitution forbids without actual suspension.
www.lawfaremedia.org
September 4, 2026 at 4:37 PM
"The Trump administration’s efforts to detain and deport students, scholars, and others for their advocacy and participation in protests surrounding Israel’s war in Gaza show how habeas can be undermined without ever formally suspending the writ," writes @jonathanhafetz.bsky.social.
New on @LawOnFilm: I sit down with @uvalaw.bsky.social .bsky.social professor Daniel Ortiz to discuss Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" We explore what the film reveals about law, justice, trust, and the dark side of small-town America. www.lawonfilm.com/shadow-doubt
Ep 62: Shadow of a Doubt — Law on Film
www.lawonfilm.com
August 5, 2026 at 1:11 AM
New on @LawOnFilm: I sit down with @uvalaw.bsky.social .bsky.social professor Daniel Ortiz to discuss Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" We explore what the film reveals about law, justice, trust, and the dark side of small-town America. www.lawonfilm.com/shadow-doubt
What makes us human? Who deserves rights? And who decides? In the latest Law on Film podcast episode AI and machine learning [email protected] @cornelltech.bsky.social joins me to explore insights from "Blade Runner" and "Blade Runner 2049"
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Blade Runner & Blade Runner 2049 (episode 61) - Law on Film
This episode we look at Blade Runner (1982) (dir. Ridley Scott) and its sequel Blade Runner 2049 (2017) (dir. Denis Villeneuve), two films that imagine a world where the line between human and machine...
www.buzzsprout.com
July 14, 2026 at 2:37 PM
What makes us human? Who deserves rights? And who decides? In the latest Law on Film podcast episode AI and machine learning [email protected] @cornelltech.bsky.social joins me to explore insights from "Blade Runner" and "Blade Runner 2049"
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
On the latest episode of Law on Film podcast, I dive into "Erin Brockovich" with environmental justice lawyer Dror Ladin — talking corporate accountability, community power, and the law behind one of Hollywood’s great legal dramas.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Erin Brockovich (2000) (Guest: Dror Ladin) (episode 60) - Law on Film
Erin Brockovich (2000) (directed by Steven Soderbergh) is based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant without formal training, who uncovers one of the most significant environmental ...
www.buzzsprout.com
June 27, 2026 at 7:07 AM
On the latest episode of Law on Film podcast, I dive into "Erin Brockovich" with environmental justice lawyer Dror Ladin — talking corporate accountability, community power, and the law behind one of Hollywood’s great legal dramas.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
On the new episode of Law on Film, I'm joined by Rachel Denber & Anna Nemzer to discuss the must-see documentary, "My Undesirable Friends: Part I—Last Air in Moscow," about the massive crackdown on independent media in Russia under Putin. www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow (2024) (Russian) (Guests: Rachel Denber & Anna Nemzer) (episode 58) - Law on Film
My Undesirable Friends: Part I—Last Air in Moscow (2024) is Russian-language American documentary film written and directed by Julia Loktev (with co-director Anna Nemzer). The film describes the effor...
www.buzzsprout.com
May 12, 2026 at 1:35 PM
On the new episode of Law on Film, I'm joined by Rachel Denber & Anna Nemzer to discuss the must-see documentary, "My Undesirable Friends: Part I—Last Air in Moscow," about the massive crackdown on independent media in Russia under Putin. www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
How did emergency powers come to define the border-- restricting asylum, normalizing expulsions, and expanding executive control? My new Georgetown Immigration L.J. article traces how “crisis” became the norm and exception the rule.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Crisis Governance of the Border: The Law and Politics of Immigration Emergency,
In the United States, law and politics around immigration are increasingly framed in terms of emergency, with claims of a perpetual crisis at the border necessi
papers.ssrn.com
April 27, 2026 at 5:13 PM
How did emergency powers come to define the border-- restricting asylum, normalizing expulsions, and expanding executive control? My new Georgetown Immigration L.J. article traces how “crisis” became the norm and exception the rule.
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
New Law on Film podcast--special🎙️: "Syriana" revisited with Peggy McGuinness. As the U.S.–Iran war brings strikes, energy shocks, and escalation, we ask why reality feels even more dystopian than the film—and how power now operates with even fewer constraints.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Syriana (2005): Special Commentary (Guest: Peggy McGuiness) - Law on Film
We return to Syriana, a film we discussed previously in Episode 40, but one that feels newly urgent in light of the current war with Iran. When it was released in 2005, the film offered a dense, unset...
www.buzzsprout.com
April 2, 2026 at 7:23 PM
New Law on Film podcast--special🎙️: "Syriana" revisited with Peggy McGuinness. As the U.S.–Iran war brings strikes, energy shocks, and escalation, we ask why reality feels even more dystopian than the film—and how power now operates with even fewer constraints.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Reposted by Jonathan Hafetz
As those with Constitutional responsibilities (looking at you Congress) are flailing in the face of illegal actions by the Executive, I'm proud to be part of this professional community, willing to come together to give voice to the rule of law: www.justsecurity.org/135423/profe...
Over 100 International Law Experts Warn: U.S. Strikes on Iran Violate UN Charter and May Be War Crimes
Over 100 international law experts sign letter on Iran War, UN Charter, and international humanitarian law.
www.justsecurity.org
April 2, 2026 at 12:53 PM
As those with Constitutional responsibilities (looking at you Congress) are flailing in the face of illegal actions by the Executive, I'm proud to be part of this professional community, willing to come together to give voice to the rule of law: www.justsecurity.org/135423/profe...
New on Law on Film podcast: I'm joined by Mark Drumbl & Barbora Hola to talk about "The Lives of Others." We examine the film’s portrayal of surveillance, informants, and moral compromise, while drawing on insights from their book "Informers Up Close". Listen here:
The Lives of Others (2006) (Guests: Mark Drumbl & Barbora Hola) (episode 56) - Law on Film
This episode looks at The Lives of Others, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s haunting exploration of surveillance, complicity, and the brittle architecture of authoritarian legality in the final year...
www.buzzsprout.com
March 31, 2026 at 2:19 PM
New on Law on Film podcast: I'm joined by Mark Drumbl & Barbora Hola to talk about "The Lives of Others." We examine the film’s portrayal of surveillance, informants, and moral compromise, while drawing on insights from their book "Informers Up Close". Listen here:
On the latest episode of @LawonFilm, I’m joined by Professor Alexandra Meise to discuss "The Killing Fields"--and the Khmer Rouge genocide, journalists as witnesses to atrocity, and how film shapes our understanding of international justice.
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
The Killing Fields (1984) (Guest: Alexandra Meise) (episode 55) - Law on Film
The Killing Fields (1984), directed by Roland Joffe, depicts the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia and the genocide that followed, which resulted in the death of approximately 2-3 million people. The f...
www.buzzsprout.com
March 11, 2026 at 10:48 PM
On the latest episode of @LawonFilm, I’m joined by Professor Alexandra Meise to discuss "The Killing Fields"--and the Khmer Rouge genocide, journalists as witnesses to atrocity, and how film shapes our understanding of international justice.
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
On the new Law on Film podcast, I explore "Conclave," which turns the papal election into a gripping study of institutions under pressure. Listen as Monsignor Raymond Kupke and I dig into authority, legitimacy, and what happens when rules meet moral doubt.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Conclave (2024) (Guest: Monsignor Raymond Kupke) (episode 54) - Law on Film
In Conclave (2024), Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) organizes a conclave to elect a new pope. Key candidates and factions vie with one another as the process plays out until finally a new pop...
www.buzzsprout.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:06 PM
On the new Law on Film podcast, I explore "Conclave," which turns the papal election into a gripping study of institutions under pressure. Listen as Monsignor Raymond Kupke and I dig into authority, legitimacy, and what happens when rules meet moral doubt.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
On the new episode of @LawOnFilm podcast, I cover Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" with Renana Keydar. Join us as we examine the ethics of retribution, collective guilt, and the limits of international justice:
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Inglourious Basterds (2009) (Guest Renana Keydar) (episode 53) - Law on Film
Inglourious Basterds (2007), written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, revolves around two plots to assassinate Nazi leaders during the closing years of World War II. One plot centers on a secret ban...
www.buzzsprout.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:53 PM
On the new episode of @LawOnFilm podcast, I cover Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" with Renana Keydar. Join us as we examine the ethics of retribution, collective guilt, and the limits of international justice:
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Thrilled to cover the superb --and timely-- Brazilian film, "I'm Still Here," on Law on Film podccast with Isabela Amaral,
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
I'm Still Here (Brazil) (2024) (Guest: Isabela Amaral) (episode 52) - Law on Film
I’m Still Here (dir. Walter Salles, 2024) is based on the true story of the enforced disappearance and murder of former congressman Rubens Paiva by the military dictatorship in Brazil. The film opens ...
www.buzzsprout.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Thrilled to cover the superb --and timely-- Brazilian film, "I'm Still Here," on Law on Film podccast with Isabela Amaral,
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Thrilled to have William Schabas join me on my
Law on Film podcast to discuss "An Officer and a Spy" and the legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.
Law on Film podcast to discuss "An Officer and a Spy" and the legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.
An Officer and a Spy (2019) (Guest: William Schabas) (episode 51) - Law on Film
This episode explores An Officer and a Spy (J’accuse in French), Roman Polanski’s 2019 film about the Dreyfus Affair in France. The Dreyfus Affair is one of most significant events in late 19th/early ...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Thrilled to have William Schabas join me on my
Law on Film podcast to discuss "An Officer and a Spy" and the legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.
Law on Film podcast to discuss "An Officer and a Spy" and the legacy of the Dreyfus Affair.
Honored to have my scholarship on atrocity crimes and fair trials featured by Rutgers Center for Race, Rights, and Security podcast @saharazizlaw.bsky.social www.buzzsprout.com/2311895/epis...
Punishing Atrocities and Fair Trials: From Nuremberg to Global Terrorism (Episode 46) - Race and Rights Podcast
In this episode, we welcome Professor Jonathan Hafetz for an insightful discussion on the complex legal challenges involved in prosecuting individuals accused of mass crimes. Our conversation traces t...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Honored to have my scholarship on atrocity crimes and fair trials featured by Rutgers Center for Race, Rights, and Security podcast @saharazizlaw.bsky.social www.buzzsprout.com/2311895/epis...
Reposted by Jonathan Hafetz
Thanks to our star speakers at #IBA2026 @ibanews.bsky.social for enriching the PSDC's panel. Your expertise in business, international law, health law & food & agriculture law sparked an engaging conversation on practical pathways to eradicate extreme poverty&hunger. #SDG1 @uottawahrrec.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Thanks to our star speakers at #IBA2026 @ibanews.bsky.social for enriching the PSDC's panel. Your expertise in business, international law, health law & food & agriculture law sparked an engaging conversation on practical pathways to eradicate extreme poverty&hunger. #SDG1 @uottawahrrec.bsky.social
Excited to participate in multiple #IBAToronto #IBA2025 conference panels today, including on the human rights impacts of corruption, on eradicating global poverty, and on the documentary film, "The Veto" about reforming the UN Security Council @ibanews.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Excited to participate in multiple #IBAToronto #IBA2025 conference panels today, including on the human rights impacts of corruption, on eradicating global poverty, and on the documentary film, "The Veto" about reforming the UN Security Council @ibanews.bsky.social
Celebrating episode # 50 on Law on Film podcast, as acclaimed criminal defense attorney Frank Wohl joins me to unpack Clint Eastwood's "Juror #2"
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Juror #2 (2024) (Guest: Frank Wohl) (episode 50) - Law on Film
This episode examines Juror #2, Clint Eastwood’s most recent—and perhaps final—film. Juror #2 centers around the trial of a man accused of murdering his girlfriend after a fight at a bar, leaving her ...
www.buzzsprout.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Celebrating episode # 50 on Law on Film podcast, as acclaimed criminal defense attorney Frank Wohl joins me to unpack Clint Eastwood's "Juror #2"
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Today is, finally, a bright blue day in the U.S.
November 5, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Today is, finally, a bright blue day in the U.S.
Reposted by Jonathan Hafetz
WEDNESDAY 5 Nov at #IBAToronto – IBAHRI Director Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC is chairing the session ‘Human rights impact of corruption’ from 0930–1045. Speakers include @jonathanhafetz.bsky.social, Neri Colmenares, Sunday Agwu, Shirley Pouget and John Balouziyeh.
More info: tinyurl.com/yeyhp4e4
More info: tinyurl.com/yeyhp4e4
November 5, 2025 at 10:21 AM
WEDNESDAY 5 Nov at #IBAToronto – IBAHRI Director Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC is chairing the session ‘Human rights impact of corruption’ from 0930–1045. Speakers include @jonathanhafetz.bsky.social, Neri Colmenares, Sunday Agwu, Shirley Pouget and John Balouziyeh.
More info: tinyurl.com/yeyhp4e4
More info: tinyurl.com/yeyhp4e4
Very happy to report that our client, Nizar Trabelsi, is now finally free after years of unlawful detention and inhumane treatment.
www.aclu.org/press-releas...
www.aclu.org/press-releas...
Acquitted Soccer Player Free to Reunite with Family in Belgium After Over a Decade in Solitary Confinement | American Civil Liberties Union
Nizar Trabelsi, a Tunisian national and former professional soccer player who was acquitted of terrorism-related charges over two years ago, has finally...
www.aclu.org
October 23, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Very happy to report that our client, Nizar Trabelsi, is now finally free after years of unlawful detention and inhumane treatment.
www.aclu.org/press-releas...
www.aclu.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Jonathan Hafetz
Danielle Sassoon is right to call out universities for using “security” as a convenient justification for shutting down controversial speech. The notion that conservatives are the main victims of this practice is delusional, though. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/o...
Opinion | I Resigned as Manhattan’s U.S. Attorney. Law Schools Are Missing the Point of My Story.
www.nytimes.com
October 13, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Danielle Sassoon is right to call out universities for using “security” as a convenient justification for shutting down controversial speech. The notion that conservatives are the main victims of this practice is delusional, though. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/13/o...
On the latest Law on Film podcast, Elliot Hasler, writer and director of "Vindication Swim," joins me to discuss Mercedes Gleitze's historic and contested swim across the English channel, which raises timeless questions of proof, reputation, and justice.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
Vindication Swim (2024) (Guest: Elliot Hasler) (episode 49) - Law on Film
Vindication Swim (2024) tells the story of Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel in 1927. This major accomplishment, however, was soon called into question when another...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
On the latest Law on Film podcast, Elliot Hasler, writer and director of "Vindication Swim," joins me to discuss Mercedes Gleitze's historic and contested swim across the English channel, which raises timeless questions of proof, reputation, and justice.
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2073468/epis...