10.23.2017

Notes From CLE with Preet Bharara & Co. in September

At CUNY law for continuing legal ed:

The first speaker is former political candidate and professor of law, Zephyr Teachout. Arguing for some type of strict liability standard in corruption matters, she observes that we are unaware when we are influenced

Is there something inherent in policing that leads to corruption? This question was posed by the panelist from Sidley Austin. Later he references Caperton.

There is an interesting comment, within the context of public corruption, about the existence of an anonymous website for self-reporting http://ipaidabribe.com/ )The anonymity of it raised an eyebrow from me, especially as was thinking recently about , and a pseudonymous Twitter account. Had been thinking about how I personally was surprised that  was being pseudonymous online (if it is, in fact ■) because it seemed like an abdication of leadership to me. Those of us who have the authority and the education and the skill set need to consider the value of coming forward and setting an example of what is appropriate and legal and what is not, especially for the benefit of those who are not so sure. However if ■ and I disagree then, clearly, reasonable minds may differ on this issue. 

Nevertheless, what can reliably be determined about a data set that is self-reported and can't be verified/authenticated?  Am briefly reminded about that legal case regarding anonymous Yelp comments, it could be anyone- thus intent may be at issue. 

(Note: the above paragraph takes on a renewed level of significance after last week's #MeToo tsunami, so here is a link to "A cryptographic solution to securely aggregate allegations could make it easier to come forward" h/t Legal Hackers

It is marvelous to be in a classroom again, and to catch up with the dean and my constitutional law professor.

Now we are having a break and Preet Bharara should be here soon... We shall see what will happen.. ( I think he has arrived because some of the panelists excitedly headed backstage)...

Preet! So far 7 people have silently gotten up with posters to protest something, something about the Bronx, the protestors seem to see him as a proxy for law enforcement generally. 

Will be thinking about tonight for some time...



Sent from my iPad


(Somewhat redacted to shield those who may prefer to stay anonymous  -MCC