For the Record: New Books, Chapters, Judicial Appointment and Expert Insights on Presidential Immunity, Telehealth and More

News 

Richotte Publishes New Book about Native America, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution 

Professor of Law and Director of the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program (IPLP) Keith Richotte Jr. has published a new book, “The Worst Trickster Story Ever Told: Native America, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution.” The book provides a synthesis of Native American legal history across more than 100 years, reflecting on race, power, and sovereignty along the way. By embracing the subtle, winking wisdom of trickster stories, and centering the Indigenous perspective, Richotte opens up new avenues for understanding this history. 

Salmon's New Moot Court Handbook Featured in Faculty Book Talk  

Director of Legal Writing Susie Salmon’s new book, “The Moot Court Advisors Handbook,” was featured during a February Faculty Book Series at the Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library. Salmon’s book covers everything to know about running moot courts and other legal skills competitions. 

Tsosie New Associate Justice for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Supreme Court 

On February 13, Regents Professor and Morris K. Udall Professor of Law Rebecca Tsosie was sworn in as an Associate Justice for the for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Supreme Court. Justice Tsosie, who is of Yaqui descent, is a faculty member for the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program and is widely known for her work in the fields of Federal Indian Law and Indigenous people’s human rights. 

Tamir Publishes New Book Chapter in Research Handbook on Comparative and Administrative Law  

Associate Professor of Law Oren Tamir published a new chapter on February 14 titled, “The Major Questions Doctrines: A Case Study on the Possibilities of Comparative Administrative Law.” The chapter will be included in the forthcoming book “Research Handbook on Comparative Administrative Law.” The chapter examines the major questions doctrine through a global lens.  

Media  

How Important Is Presidential Immunity? 
Balkinization 
Feb. 25, 2025 

Professor Andrew Coan, the Milton O. Riepe Chair in Constitutional Law, discusses the concept of presidential immunity and examines Trump v. United States, which granted presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken as part of their official duties. This ruling has sparked debate over the balance between protecting a president's ability to perform their duties without fear of legal repercussions and ensuring that presidents are held accountable for misconduct. Critics argue that such expansive immunity could undermine the principle that no one is above the law and potentially encourage abuse of power. The post delves into these issues, exploring the implications of the ruling for the rule of law and democratic accountability. 

Doctors and patients are calling for more telehealth. Where is it? 
MIT Technology Review 
Feb. 21, 2025 

Faculty Director of the Health Law & Policy Program Tara Sklar discusses the transformative impact of telehealth on U.S. healthcare, highlighting its potential to enhance access and efficiency. 

Lacking a Demonstrable Source of Authority 
History News Network 
Feb. 19, 2025 

Professor Keith Richotte Jr. Writes on the test case that provoked the courts to decide whether the federal government had jurisdiction to exercise American criminal law over Native peoples on Native lands. 

Im/migrants and Aging: A Study on Immigrant Labor in the Long-Term Care Insdustry 
ASU Law Student Radio (podcast) 
Feb. 14, 2025 

Associate Professor of Law Shefali Milczarek-Desai, co-director of the Bacon Immigration Law and Policy Program, discusses the complex intersection between im/migrant labor and the long-term care industry. As the U.S. population ages, important conversations have been taking place about what the long-term care industry workforce will look like and what steps the U.S. is taking or not taking to address this growing concern.  

Trump moves to shutter environmental offices across the government 
The Washington Post 
Feb. 6, 2025 

The Trump administration's recent actions to dismantle environmental justice programs within federal agencies. This includes placing over 100 employees from the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights on administrative leave and initiating staff reductions in the Department of Justice's environmental justice initiatives. These measures align with President Trump's executive order to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs across the federal government. Critics argue that these actions jeopardize protections for minority and low-income communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Professor of Law Justin Pidot, Ashby Lohse Chair in Water & Natural Resources and co-director of the Environmental Law Program, is quoted.  

Bondi orders DOJ to terminate environmental justice programs 
Greenwire 
Feb. 6, 2025 

Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive to dismantle environmental justice initiatives within the Department of Justice (DOJ), aligning with President Trump's executive order to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs across federal agencies. This move includes placing over 100 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees on leave and planning staff reductions in the DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division. Critics argue that these actions endanger minority and low-income communities by weakening protections against pollution. In a recent lecture, Professor Justin Pidot emphasized the importance of integrating equity and civil rights into environmental policymaking. 

Doubt Over NEPA Regs' Future Brings New Risk For Projects 
Law360 
Feburary 5, 2025 

uncertainty surrounding the future of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations after a recent federal court ruling found that the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) lacks authority to issue binding regulations. This decision could lead to increased litigation and delays for infrastructure projects due to the lack of clear environmental review guidelines. Professor Justin Pidot is featured, explaining that the ruling creates a regulatory vacuum that may result in inconsistent application of NEPA and greater legal challenges for project developers. 

US Administrative Law of Rulemaking: 2024 US Supreme Court Cases and the Trump Administration 
Chemins Publics 
February 5, 2025 

Associate Professor Oren Tamir co-authors a piece analyzing the evolving U.S. administrative law of rulemaking, including key 2024 Supreme Court cases and the Trump administration’s impact. 

Crisis at DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division 
Legal Planet 
February 4, 2025 

Professor Justin Pidot and colleagues write that dismantling the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice will be disastrous for future administrations, the American people and even for the Trump Administration. 

Trump Raises New Threat to Sanctuary Cities: Blocking Transportation Dollars  
The New York Times  
February 1, 2025 

Attempts by the Trump Administration to withhold federal transportation funding from what the President describes as "sanctuary cities" for undocumented migrants likely will depend on the U.S. Supreme Court. Professor Justin Pidot, who served as the general counsel at the White House Council on Environmental Quality in the Biden administration, weighs in.  

Dean Marc Miller: Exiting on a High Note 
Arizona Attorney Magazine 
February 2025 

Former Arizona Law dean Marc L. Miller sat down with Arizona Attorney editor Tim Eigo and discussed his service as dean and the accomplishments that occurred during his 12-year tenure.