Miranda Warnings

 "There are few areas where constitutional checks and balances are more important than the selection of U.S. Attorneys, the 93 most powerful federal law enforcement officials across the country," said New York State Bar Association President Kathleen Sweet. "The Trump administration’s installation of US Attorneys without either the vetting process that accompanies Senate confirmation, or the approval of federal judges in the district, violates the separation of powers foundational to our democracy." 

This week's Miranda Warnings podcast features U.S. Supreme Court rulings ranging from the reach of executive power to the influence parents hold in determining school curriculum. The podcast brings together Albany Law School professor Vin Bonventre and political strategist Liz Benjamin. NYSBA past president and general counsel David Miranda moderates it.

There is no denying the impact Muhammad Ali had on the sport of boxing, yet a recent essay by a past president of the New York State Bar Association, T. Andrew Brown, details how his career and his willingness to hold firm to his beliefs changed much more than a sport.

Brown also provides a look at how maneuvering behind the scenes at the Supreme Court changed the eventual outcome of the his case Clay v. United States. Recently, he sat down with “Miranda Warnings” host David Miranda to talk about his research and the impact of the 1971 U.S. Supreme Court case.

“Ali changed the fight game, and he impacted life as we know it today, race relations, respect for the individual,” Brown said. “With respect to draftees, he limited the ability of government to mandate who was eligible for the draft and who would go to war.”

It’s been a little over a year since Chief Judge Rowan Wilson was sworn in as the chief judge of the State of New York. In this short time, the state’s highest court has seen changes in how the court operates and the number of appeals it hears. This Miranda Warnings Roundtable episode centers on the changing face at New York's Court of Appeals, its highest court. Host David Miranda is joined by Albany Law professor Vin Bonventre and political strategist Liz Benjamin.

The U.S. Supreme Court continues to make news with its decisions this spring on issues from presidential immunity to the role federal agencies play in making and enforcing government regulations.

The Miranda Warnings Roundtable tackled these and other questions during a lively podcast this month.

The panelists, Vin Bonventre, a professor of constitutional law at Albany Law School, and communications and political strategist Liz Benjamin started the discussion by reacting to the court’s decision on presidential immunity from criminal prosecution.

Jeff Zaino discusses the current trends in the field of arbitration and looks to the future on issues ranging from technology, use of AI and the continuing need to attract diverse talent to the profession.

Zaino joined "Miranda Warnings" podcast host David Miranda for a wide ranging interview.  Calling himself "the original JZ", Zaino shared his wealth of experience in the field he has loved for more than 30 years.

President Domenick Napoletano’s humble background inspired an uncompromising work ethic that has shaped the defining moments of his professional journey. He shares his vision and priorities for the year ahead. 

President Richard Lewis reflects on his groundbreaking year leading the organization and handling issues including antisemitism, changes to affirmative action and threats to funding for important legal services programs. He also shares how the year has changed him both personally and professionally.

 In this month's episode of "Miranda Warnings Roundtable," our panel of experts engage in a lively discussion about the state Senate's rejection of Governor Kathy Hochul's chief judge nominee and the political ramifications. 

Over the next two episodes of Miranda Warnings, David will be speaking with defense attorneys and attorneys involved in civil lawsuits against disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Arthur L. Aidala, Esq. and Hon. Barry Kamins are a part of the team that represented Harvey Weinstein, in his defense against six felony sexual assault and rape charges. They talk to David about how their firm became involved representing Weinstein and the challenges that occur representing such a high-profile and notorious defendant. They also discuss some of their strategy behind their attempt to change the venue, why asked for a new judge and the debate about whether or not Mr. Weinstein should testify.

Miranda Warnings is hosted by NYSBA’s 118th President David Miranda.