Elisabeth Haub School of Law News

Professor Bennett L. Gershman of Pace Law School writes in Law.com on the enduring impact of racial discrimination in jury selection. In the op-ed “Race Discrimination Still Infects Jury Trials,” published in the New York Law Journal, Bennett L. Gershman examines how racial bias continues to shape capital jury trials and critiques courts’ willingness to excuse such practices, arguing that racial justice must not be sacrificed for procedural convenience.

Professor Bennett L. Gershman, distinguished professor at Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law, appears in Salon discussing why accountability for the January 6 insurrection ultimately collapsed. In the article “We Learned Nothing From Jan. 6,” Bennett L. Gershman explains that while the indictments against former President Trump were strong and supported by overwhelming evidence, the complexities and timing of the prosecution — coupled with Trump’s election — allowed him to evade accountability.

Professor Gershman also publishes several op-eds in amNewYork, including a critique of CBS News pulling a 60 Minutes segment on alleged abuses at El Salvador’s CECOT prison, raising concerns about journalistic independence. In another piece, he argues President Trump’s recent military actions violate U.S. and international law, and in a year-end reflection he reviews major criminal justice developments from 2025.

Pace Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman was featured across multiple outlets during winter break for commentary on criminal justice and accountability. In CBS News, he explains why hit-and-run cases are often difficult to prosecute, noting that convictions can hinge on whether prosecutors can gather enough evidence to overcome common defenses like “I didn’t realize what I did” or claims that it was dark or unclear. “It’s difficult to get enough evidence to prosecute effectively, and to convince a jury,” he said.

In his op-ed, “To Make Energy More Affordable, Double Down on Renewables,” published in the Times Union, Michael Hamersky, Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center, challenges the narrative that clean energy policies are responsible for rising energy costs. Drawing on decades of empirical data, Hamersky argues that renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and geothermal, offer long-term price stability and lower system-wide costs than continued reliance on fossil fuels. “The fossil fuel status quo created our current energy affordability crisis. If we continue to commit to that approach by subsidizing old power plants or building new pipelines, we will lock in a long-term obstacle to lower energy prices,” he writes.

Elisabeth Haub School of Law deeply mourns the death of Kristina Maria Gjerde, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on December 26, 2025.

Kristina was a 2024 Laureate of the Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy, presented jointly to her and Singapore Ambassador Rena Lee in recognition of their leadership in advancing the United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)—a landmark achievement in the protection of marine biodiversity on the high seas.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that the 2025 Ottinger Award for Faculty Achievement has been awarded to Achinthi Vithanage, Professor of Law for Designated Service in Environmental Law & Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs. The Richard Ottinger Faculty Achievement Award is awarded annually by the Faculty Development Committee, in consultation with the Dean, in recognition of a full-time professor’s outstanding service to the law school, the legal profession, or both. The award generally is based on the faculty member’s outstanding service during the previous academic year.

As a child, Skyler Pozo ’26 was captivated by courtroom television, often watching alongside her mother. That early fascination stayed with her and eventually evolved into a serious interest in the law and advocacy. “Once I got to college, I joined the Mock Trial Team at Scranton,” Skyler shared. “I ultimately became captain of the team, won awards, and was the first person in Scranton history to receive an award at the Opening Round Championships.”

Reuters leads the week with an op-ed from Pace Haub Law Professor John Bandler on how organizations can build stronger cybersecurity programs amid escalating digital threats. Professor Bandler outlines practical steps to protect against cybercrime and better manage information systems.