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, Powerless Beings: Solitary Confinement of Humans and Non Humans in America, 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. “If we adequately protect all vulnerable beings, the unnecessary suffering inflicted by solitary confinement will finally end,” they write.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Mock Trial Team recently competed in the Queens District Attorney’s Office 10th Annual Mock Trial Competition, which took place in the court facilities of the Queens Criminal Court. The Pace Haub Law team consisting of Skyler Pozo (2L), Maiya Aubry (2L), Alexa Saccomanno (2L), and James Page (2L), finished in second place out of the eighteen nationally ranked law schools who competed.
On March 8–9, 2025, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University hosted the 2025 Regional Round for the Americas and the Caribbean of the International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition (ICC Moot). The event brought seven teams to Haub Law, with the top US teams qualifying for the global ICC Moot Court Competition held annually in The Hague, Netherlands. This year, Haub Law’s team qualified as a finalist and will be traveling to The Hague in June.
Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman speaks to Fox 5 News about the controversial law enacted in Babylon Village, New York which bans the sale of firearms and ammunition within its borders, saying it could be viewed as unconstitutional.