Everyday thousands of humans and millions of nonhumans endure solitary confinement. Human prisoners held in this way are confined for 22 to 24 hours a day for weeks, months, or even years on end in cells the size of a parking space. For these humans, the experience is tortuous. Captive animals held in solitary confinement similarly spend much of their lives locked into tiny spaces, isolated, and deprived of the types of interactions and environment essential to their wellbeing. And, like humans, they are driven mad. In human and nonhuman settings, the agony of solitary is chillingly alike and harmful. And, in neither setting is it justifiable or necessary.
In their article, , published in Nebraska Law Review, Haub Law Professors Michael Mushlin and David Cassuto use a comparative format to examine the moral, penological and scientific shortcomings of solitary confinement across species. The article sheds light on the importance of empowering all creatures subjected to solitary confinement. “If we adequately protect all vulnerable beings, the unnecessary suffering inflicted by solitary confinement will finally end,” they write.
Elisabeth Haub School of Law is helping address a critical gap in environmental enforcement through its new Institute for Environmental Enforcement. As federal environmental enforcement faces significant challenges, the Institute is working with New York State agencies to strengthen enforcement efforts by training investigators, prosecutors, and the next generation of environmental lawyers.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law proudly conferred the 2026 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy on Alfred Brownell and Durwood Zaelke for their groundbreaking contributions to the progressive development of environmental law and decades of leadership advancing environmental justice, climate action, and environmental governance around the world.
As a law student, Haley Brescia ’21 took full advantage of the opportunities available at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, including her early work as a Land Use Law Scholar and her leadership roles as President of the Environmental Law Society and Editor-in-Chief of the 鶹ֱ Environmental Law Review.