Patricia J. Williams

Columnist

@madlawprofessor

Patricia J. Williams is University Professor of Law and Philosophy, and director of Law, Technology and Ethics at Northeastern University.

The Dangerous Defense Bill Heading Toward Obama’s Desk

The Dangerous Defense Bill Heading Toward Obama’s Desk The Dangerous Defense Bill Heading Toward Obama’s Desk

The National Defense Authorization Act would authorize indefinite military detention for US citizens, stripping Americans of their constitutional rights.

Dec 14, 2011 / Column / Patricia J. Williams

Do We Have Any Right to Privacy Outside Our Homes?

Do We Have Any Right to Privacy Outside Our Homes? Do We Have Any Right to Privacy Outside Our Homes?

The Department of Justice has told the Supreme Court that police should be allowed to secretly put GPS devices on our cars. But we have already surrendered more privacy than we rea...

Nov 22, 2011 / Column / Patricia J. Williams

Culture of Death: Who Gets to Be a Person in Mississippi?

Culture of Death: Who Gets to Be a Person in Mississippi? Culture of Death: Who Gets to Be a Person in Mississippi?

As the state votes on a personhood amendment defending the ‘sanctity of life,’ leadership is measured in executions and assassinations.

Nov 3, 2011 / Patricia J. Williams

Professor Derrick Bell, 1930–2011 Professor Derrick Bell, 1930–2011

Selfless, wise and welcoming, Bell was a mentor to legions of law school students without privilege, ultimately changing the way law schools work.

Oct 11, 2011 / Patricia J. Williams

The Legacy of Anita Hill, Then and Now

The Legacy of Anita Hill, Then and Now The Legacy of Anita Hill, Then and Now

Her Senate testimony made her into a feminist icon, but her new book underscores her enduring career as a professor and writer.

Oct 5, 2011 / Feature / Patricia J. Williams

Sex, Lies and the DSK Case

Sex, Lies and the DSK Case Sex, Lies and the DSK Case

Yes, rape cases are notoriously difficult to prove. But in the DSK case, the criminal justice system worked.

Aug 31, 2011 / Column / Patricia J. Williams

Slouching Towards Faux Slouching Towards Faux

From Dominique Strauss-Kahn to Casey Anthony to Rupert Murdoch, the media are debasing the public conversation—and therefore our democratic process.

Jul 13, 2011 / Column / Patricia J. Williams

Are We Worried About Storm’s Identity—or Our Own? Are We Worried About Storm’s Identity—or Our Own?

Americans love to say “We're all just people.” So why are we so bent out of shape by not knowing a child’s gender?

Jun 1, 2011 / Column / Patricia J. Williams

L’Affaire DSK: Presumption of Innocence Lost

L’Affaire DSK: Presumption of Innocence Lost L’Affaire DSK: Presumption of Innocence Lost

How the media frenzy obliterated the presumption of innocence and relentlessly impugned both Strauss-Kahn and his accuser in vulgar stereotypes.

May 24, 2011 / Patricia J. Williams

Gender Trouble Gender Trouble

Transgender people face assaults that run the gamut from physical to emotional. It's past time to resolve our society's discomfort with those outside the gender binary.

May 4, 2011 / Column / Patricia J. Williams

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