Eve Hanan

What's the most important thing you are working on right now?

I am designing a misdemeanor defense clinic with Professor Anne Traum that will provide Boyd students with the opportunity to represent clients in the Las Vegas Justice Court. These will be clients who would not otherwise qualify for a public defender because they are not facing incarceration. Even though they do not face jail time, the consequences of criminal misdemeanor convictions can be devastating. I’m so excited to be able to offer students the opportunity to develop client counseling and courtroom advocacy skills while provided our clients with much-needed access to justice.
  
Which of your recent books or articles should I read?

I have an article that will be published in the Missouri Law Review this spring – titled Remorse Bias - that analyzes whether implicit racial bias impacts how judges assess defendants’ remorse for the crime. Remorseful defendants often receive leniency, but it’s very hard to know whether remorse is sincere. My thesis is that implicit racial bias may cause judges to discount African American defendants’ displays of remorse in the courtroom. This is likely to contribute to racial disparity in sentencing.
  
How do you approach teaching your favorite topics? Your least favorite? 

I refer to my experience practicing as a trial and appellate attorney in order to develop examples and problems that are realistic and entertaining. I find that curiosity is my best weapon against disfavored topics. If a topic seems less enjoyable to teach, it is usually because I haven’t given it enough attention to uncover its intriguing aspects.
 
What have you read, listened to, or watched recently that has influenced you or your work?

I am reading The Feminine Sixth: Women for the Defense, by Andrea Lyon. She interviewed a diverse group of women who practice as criminal defense attorneys. She presents their stories and perspectives in a compelling and accessible manner. I recommend the book to anyone interested in criminal defense, and particularly to women interested in succeeding in this once male-dominated area of legal practice.