Professor Michael (Avi) Helfand is an expert on religious law and religious liberty. A frequent author and lecturer, his work considers how U.S. law treats religious law, custom and practice, focusing on the intersection of private law and religion in contexts such as religious arbitration, religious contracts and religious torts. His academic articles have appeared in numerous law journals, including the Yale Law Journal, New York University Law Review, Duke Law Journal, Minnesota Law Review, Boston University Law Review, and University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law. In addition, Professor Helfand often provides commentary on clashes between law and religion, writing for various public audience publications, including the Los Angeles Times,USA Today, the National Law Journal and the Forward. Professor Helfand also serves as the associate director of the Diane and Guilford Glazer Institute for Jewish Studies at Pepperdine University as well a member of the faculty of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. In addition, he serves as both an arbitrator and consultant for the Beth Din of America.
Three panelists give their thoughts on the correct balance between religious liberty laws and the Equal Protection Act, looking at cases like Obergefell v. Hodges, Hobby Lobby stores and Masterpiece Cake Shop, followed by Q&A.
Alyza Lewin (10)
Recently the Supreme Court decided on a case in which a church was suing the state of Missouri for denying them a grant on on the basis of the state's Blaine Amendment. In this fascinating lecture Professor Helfand explainsh the case and what it means for the Jewish community
Professor Michael A. Helfand (5)
Experience biblical scholarship and courtroom drama as we explore the brothers' role in the sale of Joseph. Are they guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, and human trafficking? Or are they innocent, having acted with good reason? Watch as the prosecution and defense pitch biblical commentaries against each other, and then vote on the verdict
Hon. Andrew Kauffman (1)
From the proposed 2011 circumcision ban in San Francisco to clashes between religion and advocates for same-gender marriage, recent legal developments have raised serious questions about how U.S. law will continue to protect religious custom, law, and practice
Professor Michael A. Helfand (5)
Professor Helfand walks through the details of the process of litigants going through religious arbitration which is subsequently enforced by a civil court.
Series: National Conference of Jewish Lawyers 2016
Professor Michael A. Helfand (5)