Much of the world now communicates on social media, with nearly a third of the world’s population active on Facebook alone.[1] However, as The New York Times reported, “Antisemitic and Islamophobic hate speech has surged across the internet since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out. The increases have been at far greater levels … Continued
Congress determined that hate crimes have reverberating effects, not only for the targeted community but also for the nation. The Supreme Court has held that the widespread, systemic effects of hate crimes are significant enough to justify the use of enhanced sentences. . . . Additionally, these enhanced sentences for hate crimes are often seen … Continued
In the wake of Hamas’ horrific Oct. 7 attack against Israel, there has been an unprecedented number of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. This alarming spike comes amid already historic levels of anti-Jewish harassment and assault. Antisemitism is rapidly mutating into a societal cancer, especially in New York State – the home to the largest … Continued
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer rights have a complex history worldwide. Of the numerous countries that have restricted LGBTQ+ rights (see sidebar), Uganda is arguably the most repressive.[1] Although Uganda’s laws have remained largely unenforced for many years, there has been increasing momentum among anti-LGBTQ+ proponents leading to the recent enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality … Continued
Shortly after my bar mitzvah, I interviewed one of my beloved spiritual leaders, Rabbi Solomon Aidelson, a survivor of Auschwitz, for a class project about the Holocaust. To prepare, I studied a great deal about the topic, beginning with Hitler’s rise to power, which unleashed a surge of antisemitism throughout Nazi Germany, including the boycotting … Continued
It is half a world away, but the conflict in the Middle East has led to a dramatic increase in hate crimes against Muslims in the United States, and state and national leaders are calling for swift action to reverse the surge. Two of the attacks – which are being investigated as hate crimes – … Continued
Hate is taught as Nelson Mandela reminded us. We are not born with animosity toward other human beings any more than we are born with the ability to take care of ourselves. Instead, prejudice is passed on from generation to generation and, if left unchecked, it is deadly. The stories throughout this edition remind us … Continued
With the holiday season over, most of us can count the days until we break one or more New Year’s resolutions. Adding to the ubiquitous “I will lose 10 pounds” or “I will give up bacon” we resolve each year to make fewer mistakes in the practice of law. And yes, we make mistakes, less … Continued
The solution often turns out more beautiful than the puzzle. – Richard Dawkins As all litigators know, confronting summary judgment on any issue is a daunting undertaking. When one is either a movant or respondent, a near categorical knowledge of the record facts, and a deep understanding of the applicable law – pertaining to both … Continued
Richard Lewis, president of the New York State Bar Association, issued the following statement about the Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation approval of its report for increased judicial salaries: “Judicial compensation reflects the value that we place upon the critical work that our judges perform. A properly funded judiciary is the foundation of … Continued