Jennifer E Laurin in the Media

The Austin Chronicle April 9, 2026

D.A.’s Office Responds to Misconduct Claims in 2020 Protest Case

Professor Jennifer Laurin explains that prosecutors are only required to disclose information that is potentially favorable to the defense, not all internal discussions, and a violation would require proof that such favorable information was actually generated and withheld.

KUT News August 29, 2025

New Texas law makes it easier to bring charges against teachers, librarians

Professor Jennifer Laurin discusses the context and consequences of Senate Bill 412 regarding inappropriate reading materials in schools that could mean criminal charges for educators in Texas.

KERA News August 18, 2025

‘They need to pay’: Qualified immunity leaves police chase victims with few paths for recourse

Professor Jennifer Laurin explains that qualified immunity makes it extremely difficult for victims of police chases to win lawsuits, because courts often see officers’ actions in emergencies as falling into a gray area of constitutional law.

Austin American-Statesman August 6, 2025

‘100% the wrong house’: Lawsuit provides new details of mistaken Austin SWAT raid

Professor Jennifer Laurin notes that while police have broad authority to act without a warrant in emergencies, courts are less forgiving when officers fail to reassess or seek judicial review once an immediate threat has passed.

ABC News July 23, 2025

Texas AG claimed three homes as primary residence. Democrats are being probed for similar issue

Professor Jennifer Laurin explained that to build a case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, prosecutors would need to prove he knowingly signed mortgage documents claiming a home was his primary residence when it wasn’t.

KRGV July 26, 2024

Law professor discusses impact of Starr County abortion lawsuit

Professor Jennifer Laurin discusses the impact of a judge's ruling in a Rio Grande abortion lawsuit.

The Daily Texan April 25, 2024

ACLU sues Travis County for not providing attorneys at arrestees’ first hearings

Professor Jennifer Laurin provides insight on the constitutionality of Travis County’s magistrations in response to the ACLU's lawsuit against Travis County for violating the Sixth Amendment.

Salon April 20, 2024

“Ridiculous”: Experts say Trump’s court defiance threatens to “backfire” at looming contempt hearing

Professor Jennifer Laurin provides insight on prosecutors' allegations of Donald Trump's gag order violations during his hush money trial, discussing the legal implications that could result.  

KVUE November 20, 2023

Police officer convictions in Texas shooting cases are rare

Professor Jennifer Laurin explains how the use of force is often justified in police accountability cases, leading to difficulties in convicting police officers.

Austin American-Statesman November 20, 2023

Texas police officers frequently acquitted even after social justice movement

Professor Jennifer Laurin discusses the challenges involved in prosecuting police officers, particularly in cases of on-duty lethal shootings.

Austin-American Statesman October 2, 2023

‘Stand your ground’: How self-defense laws were used in murder trials in Travis County

Professor Jennifer Laurin explains Texas "stand your ground" laws after two recent Travis County murder trials tested the state's self-defense policies.

Austin American-Statesman September 23, 2023

DA oversees indictments of many APD officers. One facing murder trial claims he’s unfair.

Professor Jennifer Laurin gave legal insight on the role of prosecutors in grand jury proceedings in a news story about a case of an Austin police officer facing a murder charge.