ProfNet Experts Available on Supreme Court Rulings, Confederate Flag, College Funding, More Also in This Edition: Jobs for Writers, Media Industry Blog Posts
NEW YORK, June 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area.
You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network – it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/alertswire.
EXPERT ALERTS
- Kimble v. Marvel: 'Supreme Court Doesn't Care a Lick About Stare Decisis in Patent Law'
- Supreme Court: Death Penalty by Lethal Injection (Glossip v. Gross)
- Forthcoming Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges)
- Potential Implications of Forthcoming Supreme Court Decision on King v. Burwell
- Federalism Revisited in Forthcoming Supreme Court Decision on King v. Burwell
- Race, Ethnicity and Religion in America
- Using Psychology to Influence Jurors
- Delaware's Unclaimed Property Program
- Are States That Fly the Confederate Flag Committing a Hate Crime?
- Health Care Data Vulnerable to Cyberattack
- Report: Creative Ways College Students Are Saving Money
- What Our Kids Need to Succeed
MEDIA JOBS
- Blog Editor – The Urban Institute (DC)
- Sports Editor – The Progress-Index (VA)
- News Reporter – Columbus Republic (IN)
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
- What Makes a Successful Blogger?
- Math for Journalists: Six Helpful Resources
- 4 Reasons Publishers Are Embracing Branded Content
- PR Newswire Media Moves, June 22 Edition
EXPERT ALERTS:
Kimble v. Marvel Decision: 'The Supreme Court Doesn't Care a Lick About Stare Decisis in Patent Law'
Mark Janis
Robert A. Lucas Chair of Law
Director, Center for Intellectual Property Research
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
"I have a lot of trouble taking the Court majority at its word when it professes a newfound faith in stare decisis in today's Kimble decision. If you read most of the Court's other recent patent decisions, particularly those involving patent-eligible subject matter, you'd conclude that the Court doesn't care a lick about stare decisis in patent law. So when the Court uses stare decisis today as an excuse to perpetuate a bad rule that the Court created 50 years ago, it's particularly hard to swallow."
Janis is an internationally recognized expert on intellectual property and patent laws. Earlier this year, he submitted a brief in support of Kimble that encouraged the Court to reject its previous decision in Brulotte v. Thys Co.
Bio: http://bit.ly/1BHa33a
Website: www.law.indiana.edu
Contact: Brianne O'Donnell, [email protected]
Supreme Court: Death Penalty by Lethal Injection (Glossip v. Gross)
Jody L. Madeira
Associate Professor of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
"Courts have told states to select more effective lethal injection procedures, but given them no guidance on how to do that. And because markets for execution drugs have shut down one by one, this creates the ideal conditions for organizational experimentation and mistake. So the Supreme Court could potentially provide needed guidance on this very complex and ethically problematic issue. Even a narrow ruling would be helpful guidance."
Madeira, an expert on the intersection of law and emotion, is available to discuss the forthcoming decision in Glossip v. Gross. She is the author of "Killing McVeigh: The Death Penalty and the Myth of Closure," and has written widely on responses of victims' families to the death penalty.
Bio: http://bit.ly/1Fj2bnZ
Website: www.law.indiana.edu
Contact: Brianne O'Donnell, [email protected]
Forthcoming Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges)
Steve Sanders
Associate Professor of Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
"While it is likely that a majority of the justices will hold that marriage equality is required by the U.S. Constitution, the real questions of interest are what legal rationale the court will apply and how the various justices might align themselves with the various constitutional theories that have been suggested for striking down these state bans. For example, Chief Justice John Roberts, who usually votes with the court's conservatives, may be reluctant to join an anti-marriage-equality opinion that could be seen as being on the wrong side of history. Chief Justice Roberts showed interest at oral argument in the idea that anti-gay marriage laws might be a form of sex discrimination, an area where the Constitution provides relatively robust protection. He might also get on board with the idea that State A must recognize a same-sex marriage performed in State B, even if State A shouldn't be required to license such marriages."
Sanders is co-author on "The People's Brief" in support of marriage equality – the amicus brief submitted by the Human Rights Campaign in March – and is considered a leading scholar on the animus question, which he addressed on SCOTUSBlog earlier this year. In addition to the People's Brief, Sanders authored a widely referenced amicus brief for 23 law and history professors in Varnum v. Brien, in which the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously struck down the state's statutory ban on same-sex marriage. He filed an amicus brief in the Missouri Supreme Court on behalf of 19 law professors in a case that asks Missouri to provide committed domestic partners with the same survivor benefits that the state provides to heterosexual spouses of state troopers who are killed in the line of duty. Sanders also represented 24 law professors as amici in National Pride at Work v. Granholm, a case in the Michigan Supreme Court on whether public-employer domestic partner benefit programs violate the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Bio: http://bit.ly/1Ifc07u
Website: www.law.indiana.edu
Contact: Brianne O'Donnell, [email protected]
Potential Implications of Forthcoming Supreme Court Decision on King v. Burwell
Kosali Simon
Professor of Health Economics and Policy
Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs
"We are concerned not only that the size of the federal marketplaces would shrink if they lose subsidy status, but also that those remaining in the insurance pools would have high expenses and cause premiums to rise. Because marketplaces have to charge the same premium to the sick and the healthy, this means that even those healthy customers currently buying coverage without subsidies will see their premiums rise through the adverse selection 'death spirals' that result when insurance markets disproportionately include the sickest, most expensive customers. However, interesting parallels can be drawn between the Affordable Care Act exchanges and Medicare Part D. Drug coverage for seniors is thought to be another example of a market that could not exist on its own because of adverse selection, but its large subsidy – approximately 75 percent – through Medicare Part D financing makes it possible to have what is thought to be a fairly well-functioning market, adverse selection-wise."
Simon's research involves applying economic analysis in the context of health insurance and healthcare policy. She has published research on the impact of the Affordable Care Act on insurance coverage, labor markets and healthcare use, including mental health treatment and emergency department visits.
Bio: http://bit.ly/1LpFQc2
Website: www.spea.indiana.edu
Contact: Brianne O'Donnell, [email protected]
Federalism Revisited in Forthcoming Supreme Court Decision on King v. Burwell
Beth Cate
Associate Professor
Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs
"In 2012, ACA opponents persuaded a majority of justices – including Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy, the two votes likely in play with this current challenge – that letting Congress condition existing Medicaid funds on greatly expanding eligibility would gut federalism and unlawfully coerce states to do what the federal government wants. A majority of justices may conclude that is would be similarly coercive – and unconstitutional – for Congress to effectively force states into establishing their own exchanges by withholding subsidies from federally run exchanges and sending those states' insurance markets into 'death spirals.' Justice Kennedy emphasized this concern at oral argument and it could lead him and others to interpret the statute to authorize subsidies on the federally run exchanges and avoid this Constitutional problem.
Cate is an expert in intellectual property law, data privacy and security, research regulation and constitutional law. Cate's practice and teaching experiences have led her to focus attention on civic literacy deficits and their impact on civic engagement and effective law- and policy-making; the role played by law and technology in empowering civic engagement; and the role of religion in public life.
Bio: http://bit.ly/1Ia2EdZ
Website: www.spea.indiana.edu
Contact: Brianne O'Donnell, [email protected]
Race, Ethnicity and Religion in America
Jason E. Shelton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
The University of Texas at Arlington
"The bloodshed in Charleston is yet another sign of persistent racial tension in the contemporary United States. While it is probably true that Dylann Roof suffered from mental illness, we cannot minimize the distinctly racial dimension of his actions. Moreover, this issue revives the ongoing debate over the Confederate Flag's relevance in modern America."
Dr. Shelton is the author of "Blacks and Whites in Christian America," which looks at ways to bridge gaps between black and white Protestants, as these groups are important to the progress of American race relations. He is warm, friendly, an excellent teacher, and a strong interview.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/jason.e.shelton
Website: www.uta.edu
Contact: Kristin Sullivan, [email protected]
Using Psychology to Influence Jurors
Carl Christman
Mentalist & Communication Professor
"The job of every trial lawyer is to persuade jurors. They have a much better chance of doing this when they understand psychological principles. Building rapport and tying in to pre-existing beliefs is often as impactful as the actual evidence."
Christman is a teacher, author, and speaker. He plays with language, psychology and non-verbal communication to educate and entertain audiences. His best-selling book, "How to Read Minds and Influence People," explores communication from a radically different perspective. It unlocks the science of mind reading and helps people harness the power of persuasion. It offers readers the tools to relate to people and positively influence them.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/carlchristman
Website: www.carlchristman.com
Contact: [email protected]
Delaware's Unclaimed Property Program
Joe Carr
National Unclaimed Property Practice Leader
BDO USA
Carr can comment on Senate Bill No. 141, designed to improve fairness and foster compliance with Delaware's Unclaimed Property Program. The state's changing unclaimed property laws could have significant implications on companies incorporated in Delaware or that conduct significant business in the area: "With the latest changes in Delaware, it is even more important for companies to build an unclaimed property audit defense. Careful planning and navigation of the Delaware Secretary of State Voluntary Disclosure Program is essential to help mitigate potential multimillion dollar financial exposure."
Website: https://www.bdo.com/services/tax/state-local-tax/unclaimed-property
Contact: Alexis Ganz, [email protected]
Are States That Fly the Confederate Flag Committing a Hate Crime?
Lisa Durden
African-American Pop-Culture/Political Commentator
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley called Monday for the removal of the Confederate flag from statehouse grounds but defended the right of private citizens to fly it. The Republican governor, who avoided calls to remove the flag in the first few days following Wednesday's shooting death of nine black members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, said taking the flag down would unite the state. Says Durden: "Every state that flies the Confederate flag is committing a hate crime. It would be no different if someone flew a flag with a symbol of a swastika on it. What message would that send to Jewish people? All confederate flags must come down because it represents slavery for black people. It represents the fight for the South to continue to rape, beat and sell my forefathers. The confederate flag stands for tradition: a tradition of hate. We need to call for a boycott of any retailer who dares to sell Confederate flags."
Durden is a sought-after African-American pop-culture/political commentator booked to share her "keep it real" view on all things hot topics. She appears on Fox 5 News Live at 6 p.m. with Ernie Anastos and as a regular expert guest on nationally syndicated network radio and shows like FOX 5's "The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet," FoxNews.com's "The Strategy Room," Comcast's "It's Your Call: With Lynn Doyle," My9 News and more.
Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected]
Health Care Data Vulnerable to Cyberattack
Mark Thibodeaux
Attorney
Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Houston office
Cybercriminals are committing identity theft by targeting Americans' health records, which sell on the black market for 10 to 20 times more than credit card numbers. Says Thibodeaux: "In addition to the economic drivers, it appears that recent cyberattacks on health insurers and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management are at least partly an effort to gather key information about government workers and possibly those with links to dissident movements in their countries. These attacks show signs of deep research, targeting those who might have access to important information the hackers want. Unfortunately, health records are often inadequately protected by outdated techniques and software. These recent attacks should encourage health care companies to dramatically improve their defenses."
Thibodeaux advises health care companies on cyberattacks in his role as the deputy practice leader of the cybersecurity and privacy team at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.
Contact: Kit Frieden, [email protected]
Report: Creative Ways College Students Are Saving Money
Kevin Walker
Co-founder & CEO
Valore
"More than ever, students today are burdened with the rising cost of tuition, room, board and other college expenses. What we found is that students are being very proactive and creative about finding ways to reduce the burden of these expenses."
Walker can discuss how students are coping with rising costs, as well as the company's recent "Student Trends 2015" report, which outlined students' perceptions of the cost of college and their tactics for managing those expenses. According to the College Board, the average undergraduate student should budget between $1,200 and $1,300 for textbooks and supplies each year. That's as much as 40 percent of tuition at a two-year community college and 13 percent at a four-year public institution. With the cost of tuition and textbooks continuing to rise, ValoreBooks set out to better understand the creative ways in which college students are saving money. The report found that most college students strongly agree that the cost of college textbooks and materials is too high, with three out of four students reporting that they pay for their own books. Only 19 percent of students responded that their parents pay for their textbooks and fewer than 10 percent of students purchase new textbooks.
Website: http://www.valore.com
Contact: Kristen Wiltse, [email protected]
What Our Kids Need to Succeed
Barnet Bain
Creativity Expert
Our educational system often fails to value creativity, as when art, drama and music classes are constantly cut to save money. Barnet can discuss why our schools, from kindergarten to universities, need a new focus on developing the lifelong skills of creative thinking: "The work that children are going to be looking at in 10 years is not going to look anything like it does now. Anything that can be automated will be automated. Anything that can be computerized will be computerized. It's not going to look like anything we can conceive from here. So what are we preparing these children for? If we're not preparing them to fire up a skill set of creativity, then we will not be serving them at all. What's needed is a curriculum that generates intimacy with the skills of creativity."
Bain is an award-winning motion picture producer and director, radio broadcaster, educator and creativity expert, and author of "The Book of Doing and Being" (Atria, 2015). Select film credits include Oscar-winner "What Dreams May Come" (producer); Emmy-Award nominee, Outstanding TV Movie, "Homeless to Harvard" (executive producer); "The Celestine Prophecy" (writer, producer); "Jesus" (aka The Jesus Film) (writer); and "The Lost and Found Family" (director). Upcoming productions include "Milton's Secret," based on the book by Eckhart Tolle and Robert Friedman; "Illusions," based on the novel by Richard Bach and directed by Zack Snyder ("300," "Man of Steel"); and the documentary feature "When I Was Young I Said I Would Be Happy: The Story of Project LIGHT Rwanda," currently in post-production.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/barnetbain
Contact: Michelle Tennant, [email protected]
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MEDIA JOBS:
Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/
- Blog Editor – The Urban Institute (DC)
- Sports Editor – The Progress-Index (VA)
- News Reporter – Columbus Republic (IN)
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OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:
Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line.
- WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL BLOGGER: Many bloggers dream of seeing their Web stats skyrocket out of nowhere, but most have no idea how to achieve this. Writing is only half the battle -- marketing is the other half. There is no exact science behind a successful blog, but there are ways to boost one's chances of success. On Tuesday, June 23, we are hosting a Twitter Q&A with Bryce Gruber, co-founder of TheLuxurySpot.com. She'll tell us more about how she built a successful blog and will be available to answer your questions. Details here: http://prn.to/1G8aAHI
- MATH FOR JOURNALISTS: SIX HELPFUL RESOURCES (AND A QUIZ). "I was told there would be no math..." Many a writer has uttered those words, only to be confronted by a need to figure out averages, ratios, percentages, etc. If you find yourself in such a situation, here are six resources you might find helpful. While the sites are geared toward journalists, anyone who finds themselves writing for work will find them helpful: http://prn.to/1CdGFfK
- 4 REASONS PUBLISHERS ARE EMBRACING BRANDED CONTENT. Brands are moving away from traditional advertising and using editorial content as a way to connect with audiences on a human level. In response, newsrooms are expanding into the branded content arena to capitalize on the market for journalism expertise. Journalists and key players from agencies and brands including the New York Times, Reuters, IBM, Edelman and Brandtale gathered for the first-ever Content Marketing Mashup panel to discuss what the industry changes mean for traditional publishers: http://prn.to/1dIHl6R
- PR NEWSWIRE MEDIA MOVES, JUNE 22 EDITION. PR Newswire's weekly audience research newsletter, PR Newswire Media Moves, is chock-full of media news and job changes. In this week's issue, you'll read updates on NBC Nightly News, Dallas Morning News, National Journal, Politico Pro, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, CNET, Boston.com, Real Simple, Southern Living and many more: http://prn.to/1RpcWqW
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SOURCE ProfNet
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