Moritz Faculty
Faculty in the News
Moritz College of Law faculty members are increasingly finding themselves in the spotlight as reporters seek them out for expert comment on today's headlines. The topics cover a wide range, such as the death penalty, artificial insemination, and voting machines. Just as varied are the locations of the publications or news outlets, ranging from small town newspapers to wire services with international distribution.
The following is a list of selected media coverage for Moritz faculty members. The links below will direct you to sites that are not affiliated with the Moritz College of Law. They are subject to change, and some may expire or require registration as time passes. Contact Barbara Peck, Chief Communications Officer, for any media requests at (614) 292-0283.
Joshua Dressler Media Hits
The following is a list of selected media coverage for Joshua Dressler. The links below will direct you to sites that are not affiliated with the Moritz College of Law. They are subject to change, and some may expire or require registration as time passes. (Return to Faculty Bio)
Dad is indicted in son’s death
Sep. 19, 2012
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch article about a parent who was prosecuted for homicide when his three-year old son accidentally shot himself with a gun he found. “I think that prosecutors would look at a case like this and feel that, at a minimum, you want to send a message to parents that they need to take better care of their loaded weapons. Juries frequently feel in cases of this sort that the parent has been punished enough just by the death of their child, and therefore tend not to want to convict at a high level," Dressler said.
Former Goldman Programmer Is Arrested Again
Aug. 9, 2012
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in an article in the New York Times, which centered on former Goldman Sachs programmer Sergey Aleynikov being arrested again, charged with state crimes.
“It’s very rare that double jeopardy would come into play in a case like this,” Dressler said. “The Supreme Court decided this in 1922 and it’s been settled law ever since.”
Ohio might pursue Stand Your Ground legislation
Mar. 27, 2012
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in an article by the Coschocton Tribune regarding Ohio possibly implementing Stand Your Ground legislation. Dressler said the law is dependent on a state’s definition of a “reasonable’ threat.
Dressler said “you should never use deadly force unless absolutely necessary.”
Legal experts analyze verdict in fatal hit-skip trial
Feb. 9, 2012
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted by the Springfield News-Sun in an article about the acquittal of a former prosecutor in a fatal hit-skip case. The case, involving an 81-year-old defendant, was tried before a judge. Dressler, an expert in criminal law, said hit-skip cases are tough to prosecute and that prosecutors faced a higher burden of proof in this case because a judge ruled and it involved a former prosecutor.
“Law-trained people take proof beyond a reasonable doubt much more seriously than lay people,” Dressler said. “It’s not insignificant the defendant in this case is a former prosecutor. This is a person who has prosecuted these kinds of cases before, he is a member of the bar. The judge has to consider whether he would lie under oath. He could say I believe him because he was a prosecutor, but if it were you or me, maybe not.”
Legal experts analyze verdict in fatal hit-skip trial
Feb. 8, 2012
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Springfield News article about the acquittal of a man accused of a hit-and-run which resulted in a death. Dressler said hit-skip cases are tough to prosecute. Prosecutors faced a higher burden of proof in this case because a judge ruled and it involved a former prosecutor. “Law-trained people take proof beyond a reasonable doubt much more seriously than lay people,” Dressler said. “It’s not insignificant the defendant in this case is a former prosecutor. This is a person who has prosecuted these kinds of cases before, he is a member of the bar. The judge has to consider whether he would lie under oath. He could say I believe him because he was a prosecutor, but if it were you or me, maybe not.”
Technology tests limits of Fourth Amendment rights
Dec. 25, 2011
NJ.com mentioned Professor Joshua Dressler in a column analyzing whether an overuse of technology by law enforcement tests the Fourth Amendment’s right to privacy.
The column, which stems from a U.S. Supreme Court argument regarding whether law enforcement may put a GPS in someone’s car without a warrant, quotes Dressler saying courts are deeming warrantless searches as becoming more reasonable.
Hundreds Of Convicted Sex Offenders Off The Charts
Oct. 31, 2011
10TV referred to Professor Joshua Dressler as “one of the most respected authorities of criminal law in the U.S.” in a report about the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to make it legal for sex offenders convicted before 1997 to drop off the Ohio sex offender registry, leaving such offenders’ locations unknown to the public.
Dressler was cited explaining the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the previous law requiring sex offenders to register. He said requiring offenders to register violated the Ohio Constitution.
"They seem to have carefully considered both the concerns of society to be protected but also the concerns of the individuals who has to register to make sure they are given their due process and their constitutional rights," Dressler said.
Attempted murder count for Ohioan in abortion case
Oct. 20, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in an Associated Press story about a man accused of attempted murder for forcing his pregnant girlfriend to drive to an abortion clinic. The story says: “Convicting Holt-Reid of the attempted murder charge may be difficult because of the chain of events that would have to have occurred for the fetus to be in danger, said Joshua Dressler, an Ohio State University criminal law professor. ‘There were a number of other steps that would have to go on before it could ever reach the stage of actual termination,’ Dressler said Wednesday. ‘Is this really now attempted murder...particularly since he can't, if you will, pull the trigger?’ Dressler said. ‘It's going to have to be done by someone else.’”
Innocent Or Not, You're Paying For Red Light Tickets
July 19, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a 10TV story about the red light traffic cameras in Columbus. The story talks about how those charged with a ticket from the cameras have to pay their fines in advance of a hearing to determine whether or not they are actually guilty. Dressler was quoted regarding this policy: “‘I think the City of Columbus should be ashamed of itself,’ said Joshua Dressler, a nationally renowned law professor, who has authored volumes of articles and textbooks on criminal law. According to Dressler, the system violates a fundamental concept of American justice.”
Court And Cop's Sexy Texts: Supreme Court Rules It's Okay To Search His Sexts
June 18, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Huffington Post story about a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding privacy and how it relates to personal communications on government-owned devices. The story states: “Joshua Dressler, an Ohio State University law professor, said the court probably was wise to rule narrowly. ‘With modern technology quickly moving in directions the justices could not have imagined even a decade ago, it is increasingly obvious that the Supreme Court will need to determine the limits of government surveillance of our cell phone conversations, text messages, and other nonwire transmissions,’ Dressler said.”
Supreme Court suggests personal messages on company, government devices are not protected
June 17, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in an Associated Press story about a Supreme Court decision regarding the privacy of personal messages sent on government-owned devices. The story states: “Joshua Dressler, an Ohio State University law professor, said the court probably was wise to rule narrowly. ‘With modern technology quickly moving in directions the justices could not have imagined even a decade ago, it is increasingly obvious that the Supreme Court will need to determine the limits of government surveillance of our cell phone conversations, text messages, and other non-wire transmissions,’ Dressler said.”
Defending oneself in court often backfires
June 1, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch story about a man representing himself in a federal fraud trial. The story states: “A 1975 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld a defendant's right to self-representation ‘has been the bane of judges and prosecutors,’ said Joshua Dressler, a professor at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law who specializes in criminal law. Self-representation ‘almost always results in an inefficient trial that will take much longer than required and often, even to an outside observer, looks like a train wreck,’ he said.”
Ga. Murder Case Shines Spotlight on Nation's Indigent Defense Systems
May 24, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was mentioned in a National Law Journal story about problems within the country’s indigent defense systems. The story states: "‘I can imagine this Court taking the view that, with county and state budget crises, they don't want to jump in,’ Dressler said. ‘To me that would be shameful if it's the reason for not taking it on.’”
Weak Defense
Jan. 16, 2010
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Newsweek story about a man accused of killing an abortion doctor. A Kansas Circuit judge ruled that the man could present a defense for voluntary manslaughter, instead of murder. The story states: “As Joshua Dresser, a criminal-law expert at Ohio State's Moritz College of Law, told me, ‘He can get up and say, I honestly in my head believed this would prevent an imminent death of a fetus, who is a person, even if that is unreasonable. But if he says that, the real argument is mental illness.’”
Sex Offender in Ohio Offers Insanity Plea in 11 Deaths
Dec. 3, 2009
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a New York Times story about a Cleveland man accused of killing 11 people and recently pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. “It’s fair to say that the defense of insanity is the defense of last resort for any criminal defense attorney,” said Joshua Dressler, a professor at the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University. “Juries don’t like the defense. Despite the fact that there are so many myths about the defense, that it’s easy and people get off on it, it’s actually an extraordinarily hard defense.”
Lewis murder-case explanation sought
Aug. 13, 2009
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch article regarding police actions on the Lewis-murder case. The story states: "In many criminal investigations, police develop a suspect and then put "blinders" on regarding other possible suspects or theories of the crime, said Joshua Dressler, a criminal-law professor at Ohio State's Moritz College of Law. In this case, that might have combined with some sloppy procedures to put Derris Lewis in jail, Dressler said. 'The message to the public is, even without malice, without someone being reckless, mistakes happen,' he said."
Virginia fraud trial has roots in Ohio's ID system
Apr. 18, 2009
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch story about a Virginia fraud trial that has roots in Ohio. The story states: “‘This defense is almost never used,’ said Joshua Dressler, a criminal-law expert and professor at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. ‘In a sense, what the argument would be is ignorance of the law.’”
Dismissal for Stevens, but Question on ‘Innocent’
Apr. 11, 2009
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a New York Times story about the dismissal of the ethics commission against former Senator Ted Stevens. The story stated: “Prof. Joshua Dressler of the Ohio State University law school said, however, that the failure to be convicted in a criminal trial does not, by itself, confer innocence on someone. ‘The decision by the judge to dismiss the case is certainly not a statement that the defendant is innocent,’ Professor Dressler said, ‘but that the prosecutors didn’t play by the rules, and for that reason alone we have to use this strong remedy’ to deter other prosecutors from similar misbehavior.”
Right to counsel probed by justices
Mar. 17, 2008
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a National Law Journal story regarding two 6th Amendment right to counsel cases that are expected to go before the U.S. Supreme Court. “The Sixth Amendment right to counsel has been treated by the Supreme Court with a bit more care and as having value, more so than a number of the other criminal procedural rights,” said criminal law scholar Joshua Dressler of Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law. “While one may automatically assume the Supreme Court will come down on the side of the government in Fourth Amendment and Miranda cases, it's a little less obvious they will do so when you come to the right to counsel,” added Dressler, who signed a law professors' amicus brief supporting Rothgery. “In a number of other areas, they have shown a willingness to assert that right with power.”
Appeals court backs judge in Wecht case
Jan. 4, 2008
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Pittsburg Post-Gazette story regarding former Allegheny County, Pa., Coroner Dr. Cyril H. Wecht’s attempt to stop prosecutors from dropping 43 of the 84 counts against him. “Joshua Dressler, who teaches at Ohio State University's law school, said it is odd for more than half of a prosecutor's case to be dismissed that close to trial. It's common for the government to indict on a large number of charges, he said, especially because it can help pressure a person into taking a plea bargain. … ‘If a prosecutor were really concerned about that, they would have thought about that a lot earlier in the ballgame,’ Mr. Dressler said.”
FBI used subtle tack with Jefferson
Dec. 30, 2007
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a New Orleans Times-Picayune story regarding the FBI investigation into Rep. William Jefferson's actions. "By hiding all of that information and making it seem like a casual conversation, (FBI agents) can claim he wasn't in custody and he can't make any realistic claim about constitutionality," said Joshua Dressler, an Ohio State University legal scholar and author of several volumes on criminal procedure. "They are under no obligation to show him their cards."
Prosecution or persecution?
Sep. 10, 2007
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in a story regarding discrepancies in prosecutors’ decisions to charge parents when those parents accidentally leave children locked in a car. "Prosecutors have almost unbridled discretion to decide whether or not to prosecute based on facts they have," said Joshua Dressler, a law professor at Ohio State University. "Even if you have two cases that were exactly alike, you would not necessarily get the same outcome from two prosecutors looking at the same facts."
Sentence fell easily within U.S. averages
July 4, 2007
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in a Columbus Dispatch story regarding the President’s decision to commute the sentence of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby. The story says that although President Bush called Libby’s 2 1/2-year prison sentence “excessive,” three-fourths of people convicted of similar charges were sent to prison. “To call it excessive is to suggest the guidelines are wrong,” said Dressler, an expert in criminal procedure.
High court vindicates Georgia officer in chase
May 1, 2007
Criminal law Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and over 250 other publications, regarding the Supreme Court's decision in Scott v. Harris. In a surprising decision, the Court ruled in favor of police who rammed a suspect's car during a 90 mph high speed chase. "The clear trend of police departments in major urban areas has been to limit police chases in general," Dressler said. "There have been so many injuries and deaths as a result of police chases and such great risk of harm to innocent bystanders."
Officials: Mohammed Exaggerated Claims
Mar. 16, 2007
Professor Joshua Dressler was quoted in this Associated Press story on Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's claims that he was responsible for dozens of successful, foiled and imagined attacks in the past 15 years. "In light of the rambling nature of his statements, and the views of some that he is prone to exaggerate his importance, we cannot feel confident we know exactly the level of his involvement in various prior attacks," said Dressler.
In drug searches, Columbus police usually find what they're looking for
Sep. 5, 2006
In this Columbus Dispatch article on the success rate of drug seraches by Columbus police, Professor Joshua Dressler said 80 percent is an excellent success rate, but he cautioned against broad, formulaic language in warrants. That might violate a person's Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches, he said. "I worry that it does mean the police are given authority to search areas of a person's home that perhaps they shouldn't be allowed," he said.
Is It Fair?
Aug. 17, 2006
In this Columbus Dispatch article on the fairness of a judge's decision to allow two convicted Kenton (Ohio) high-school athletes to delay a juvenile-detention stay until after football season, professor Joshua Dressler said the whole point of juvenile law is rehabilitation, not retribution. "One of the difficult things for any judge when sentencing a child is trying to figure out what will make that person change their behavior in the future," he said. "Sometimes you run the risk that if you treat the defendant leniently, that it will send the wrong message, that it will say, 'You don't have to take responsibility.'"
Smoking ban swayed jury's decisions, appeal argues
Aug. 6, 2006
Professor Joshua Dressler is quoted in this Columbus Dispatch article about an appeal based, among other allegations, that the trial court's decision to forbid jurors to smoke during deliberations in a Licking County murder trial caused a rush to judgment. "It's a great argument in the sense it's very creative," said Dressler. "One of the difficulties that will exist in this case is there is no hard evidence. It is speculative that the request to smoke would cause the jurors to change their vote." Also see the Associated Press story (via the Cleveland Plain Dealer), Death row inmate's appeal cites ban on juror smoking.
The Game's Not Over / Round 2: Anderson's woes may worsen if he won't testify before new grand jury
July 21, 2006
Professor Joshua Dressler is quoted in a San Francisco Chronicle story on the investigation surrounding Barry Bonds. Dressler said the high visibility of the Bonds case is no doubt influencing the government's desire to operate cautiously, which may be one of the reasons prosecutors did not seek an indictment from the first grand jury.
Supreme Court's Current Term Has Proved Tough on Defendants
July 5, 2006
Professor Joshua Dressler is quoted in a Wall Street Journal story about the U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of the Guantanamo Bay military tribunals. (subscription required)
Testimony from 9/11 victims: How much is fair?
Apr. 13, 2006
In a Christian Science Monitor story about the sentencing trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, Professor Joshua Dressler said that jurors are being reminded of all the emotions they felt on September 11.
Jury's task: execution for Moussaoui?
Apr. 10, 2006
In a Christian Science Monitor story about the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, Professor Joshua Dressler said that the government wanted to find somebody they could hold responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Supreme Court Adds Limits to Search and Consent
Mar. 22, 2006
On National Public Radio's All Things Considered, Professor Joshua Dressler comments on the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that rules that police without a warrant cannot search a home when the residents disagree about whether the police can enter.
Strip search raising students' rights questions
Jan. 27, 2006
In a Chillicothe Gazette story about the potentially illegal strip search of female students at a Piketon school, Professor Joshua Dressler said that the Fourth Amendment still applies to schools.
In this Sacramento Bee story about the conviction of a former defense attorney on domestic violence charges, Professor Joshua Dressler is quoted.
Convicted Columbus Terrorist To Appeal
Dec. 29, 2005
In a report broadcast on WCMH-NBC 4 (Columbus) about the possible appeal of convicted Columbus terrorist, Iyman Faris, Professor Joshua Dressler said that Faris should not expect to be freed.
Dispute Over Images: Lawyer in porn cases is also an FBI target
Nov. 21, 2005
Professor Joshua Dressler said that defense attorneys shouldn't assume the risk that the government will try to charge them with a crime simply for assisting the accused in this Columbus Dispatch story about a Cleveland lawyer who defends child-pornography defendants.
Hung juries more common
Oct. 3, 2005
Professor Joshua Dressler is quoted in this Columbus Dispatch article about the increasing difficulty that Franklin County jurors are experiencing when reaching agreements. "From 2001 to 2004, the county averaged 13 hung juries a year on criminal cases. So far this year, 20 juries have deadlocked," said Dressler. He further said although he knows of no statistical studies on the topic, some cases are more likely to be a problem for jurors than others."
2 words may be key for Taft: 'Knowingly' and 'inadvertent' could be dividing line on charges
Aug. 12, 2005
Professor Joshua Dressler explains the difference between "knowingly" and "inadvertent" in this Dayton Daily News story about whether Ohio Governor Bob Taft's failure to disclose free golf outings on his financial disclosure statements violated state ethics law.
Brothel suspect's bond at $1 billion
June 24, 2005
In a Columbus Dispatch story about the high bail set for a woman accused of running two brothels, Professor Joshua Dressler said a 10-digit bail is "exceptionally unusual."
Ex-principal alleges bias: Woman in middle of rape case at Mifflin says city prosecutor is singling her out
June 23, 2005
Professor Joshua Dressler discussed "Garrity" statements - a legal principle that employees cannot be prosecuted by using self-incriminating statements made during mandatory investigations by their employers - in this Columbus Dispatch story.
Kids not allowed in Jackson's bed anymore, attorney says
June 15, 2005
In an Associated Press story in the Columbus Dispatch about a statement yesterday from Michael Jackson's attorney which said that the pop star is going to be more careful from now on and not let children into his bed, Professor Joshua Dressler said that it was a surprise that the jury found Jackson not guilty on all the charges.
Judge failed to note snoozing juror, records show
June 9, 2005
In a St. Petersburg Times story about a judge who failed to alert attorneys during a murder trial that a juror may have been sleeping, Professor Joshua Dressler said that it was an unwise decision on the part of the judge not to acknowledge the situation.
Mistrial Declared in Ohio Shootings Case
May 10, 2005
In an Associated Press story printed in the Guardian (U.K.) about mistrial declared in the highway shooter case, Professor Joshua Dressler said that it was a minor victory for the defense.
Experts: Insanity, death penalty in highway shootings tough sell
Apr. 10, 2005
In an Associated Press story (printed in the Akron Beacon Journal) about the upcoming trial of a man charged in highway sniper shootings, Professor Joshua Dressler said that the most realistic outcome is prison.
Experts Clash over McCoy's Mental State
Jan. 15, 2005
In a Columbus Dispatch story about conflicting psychological test results about the alleged Central Ohio highway sniper, Professor Joshua Dressler said that it would be rare for the court to order a third round of tests.
5 Bank Jobs Part of Probe: Man Suspected in Officer's Killing Could be Tied to Other Robberies
Jan. 11, 2005
In a Columbus Dispatch story about the suspect in the killing of a police officer, Professor Joshua Dressler said that cellphone companies can give police access to the phone numbers a person is calling and receiving calls from.
Defense changes plea in highway shooting case
Sep. 2, 2004
Professor Joshua Dressler said in a Marion Star story about the alleged central Ohio highway shooter, that the plea of guilty by reason of insanity plea is a "plea of last resort."
Rape Suspect Might Escape Some Charges
Aug. 14, 2004
Two Moritz Law faculty were quoted in the Columbus Dispatch regarding charges filed against the man suspected of the Linden-area rapes. Professor Joshua Dressler said that the statute of limitations would not permit some of the rape charges because they occurred more than six years ago. In spite of the defendant's request for a speedy trial, Professor Ric Simmons said that a motion filed by the defendant's attorney to dismiss some of the charges would stop the clock until the motion is heard.
Authorities Violated Suspect's Miranda Rights, Defense Says
Aug. 14, 2004
In a Columbus Dispatch story about a motion to suppress statements made by the alleged highway shooter, Charles A. McCoy Jr., Professor Joshua Dressler said that case law is on the side of the prosecution.
Sniper suspect competent for trial
July 16, 2004
In a Columbus Dispatch story, Professor Joshua Dressler says having a mental illness but being competent to stand trial is not rare.
Die during a crime, it's murder in Ohio
July 4, 2004
In a Cleveland Plain Dealer story about the death of a crime victim following an altercation with a homeless man, Professor Joshua Dressler said that most states would not allow prosecutors to seek murder charges based on an assault.
A loophole for Erpenbeck?
July 1, 2004
Professors Joshua Dressler and Douglas Berman were quoted in a Cincinnati Post story about a Supreme Court ruling that could make federal sentencing rules unconstitutional. They said that the June 24 decision in Blakely, along with the subsequent ruling on Tuesday by a federal judge in Utah may mean reworking the federal sentencing guideline system.
In the Toledo Blade, Professor Joshua Dressler said he believes a plea agreement will be reached in the serial highway shooting case in Central Ohio.
Law doesn't fault shooting suspect's family
Apr. 1, 2004
In the Cincinnati Enquirer, Professor Joshua Dressler noted that the family of the suspected serial highway shooter was not obligated to tell authorities if they suspected he might be involved.
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