Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy
Ciara Torres-Spelliscy is a Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law in Florida, and a Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law. She is a nationally recognized expert on election law and money in politics.
She is the author of two books, Political Brands (2019) and Corporate Citizen? (2016).
She is a graduate of Harvard and Columbia Law School.
She lives in Tampa Bay, Florida with her husband, son, and labradoodle.
New from Ciara Torres-Spelliscy:
Want to read more from Professor Torres-Spelliscy? Order her new book, Corporatocracy, today!
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Live: Legal Nerds, Jul 24, 2024
Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy makes a guest appearance on the online video series: Legal Nerds to talk about the newest occurrences in the legal landscape today.
Is Trump now 'above the law'? The U.S. Supreme Court ruling, explained | About That
Ciara Torres-Spelliscy makes a guest appearance on CBC News to talk about the latest Supreme Court ruling regarding former President Donald Trump.
Supreme Myths: Episode 120
Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy stops by Supreme Myths to talk about her forthcoming book Corporatocracy which details how big business spending is threatening our democracy, our elections, and our people.
Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?
The 2010 landmark decision that ruled the free speech clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent expenditures for political communications by corporations. This gave rise to Super PACS and an increase in election campaign spending. Since then, there have been questions about whether the decision has harmed our democratic process.
With this context, we debate the question: Has Citizens United Undermined Democracy?
Is the "Big Lie" Protected Speech?
The Supreme Court has ruled that certain lies and inaccuracies are protected under the First Amendment, mostly pertaining to political campaigns. But when an elected official’s lies intentionally undermine our democracy or result in an undue electoral benefit, does that protection extend? And since big lies need an audience, what is the responsibility of the press and private entities in preventing their spread?
American Constitution Society 2009
Brennan Center Counsel member Ciara Torres-Spelliscy participates in an American Consitution Society event on diversifying the federal bench.
National Press Club 2013
At the National Press Club in 2013, Brennan Center Fellow and Stetson College of Law Prof. Ciara Torres-Spelliscy discusses the role that the SEC could, and should, play in regulating the influx of dark money in American elections.
National Constitution Center 2018
Prof. Ciara Torres-Spelliscy speaks at the National Constitution Center's 2018 forum on whether or not to amend the Constitution to address the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision concerning corporate speech.
American Constitution Society 2019
Prof. Ciara Torres-Spelliscy addresses the annual meeting of the American Constitution Society in 2019 on the issue of reforming government and repairing democracy. This clip is courtesy of the American Constitution Society.
FAWL 2020
Florida Association of Women Lawyers celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment.
WMNF 2023
Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, a professor of law at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport and a Brennan Center Fellow interviewed by Seán Kinane on Tuesday Café at WMNF.
For press inquiries, or speaking and writing engagements, please contact Prof. Ciara Torres-Spelliscy at profciara@cskllc.net