Mark C. Alexander, JD
Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law | Charles Widger School of Law
Mark Alexander, JD, is an expert on constitutional law, election law and the First Amendment.
Media
A Short & Happy Guide to the First Amendment (Short & Happy Guides)
This concise guide breaks down a complicated topic―the First Amendment―and makes it understandable and fun. The book walks briskly through cases, rules, and theories to draw a reader-friendly road map of the First Amendment. Two law school deans and First Amendment enthusiasts, Bob Power and Mark Alexander, synthesize principles with memorable examples and a sharp wit. Their analysis reveals the common sense behind much First Amendment law, and at the same time identifies some of its flaws and inconsistencies. The book addresses the deep historic roots as well as current problems such as campaign finance, hate speech, and electronic communications. It is equally useful as a general guide as it is for preparing for class and for exams (including the bar!).
A Short & Happy Guide to Constitutional Law (Short & Happy Guides)
This efficient book takes the complex subject matter of Constitutional Law and makes it easier to understand and digest. World-renowned Seton Hall Law Professor Mark Alexander carefully explains the key concepts involved in Con Law and also brings it home with straightforward explanations of why you are reading and discussing the cases you are assigned every day. The subject matter runs the gamut from Marbury v. Madison and the structural side of the course to Due Process and Equal Protection. In addition, he provides exam-taking tips, and general words of guidance on how to make it through law school, and beyond, to a rewarding legal career.Learn more about this series at ShortandHappyGuides.com.
Can the President pardon himself? (July 2017)
Villanova Charles Widger School of Law Dean Mark Alexander discusses whether or not the President would be able to pardon himself on MSNBC's AM Joy.
Building Out Trump's Transition Team (November 2016)
Villanova Charles Widger School of Law Dean Mark Alexander on CBS This Morning discussing President-elect Trump's transition team following the election.
Areas of Expertise (7)
- Constitutional Law
- Campaign Reform
- First Amendment Law
- Election Law
- Legal Education
- Law
- Presidential Debate Prep
Biography
Mark C. Alexander, JD is the Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Alexander’s areas of expertise include constitutional law, election law and the First Amendment. His research interests focus on the constitutional dimensions of election law and campaign reform. Alexander previously served as advisor for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and later served on the transition team following the election. Dean Alexander also served as general counsel on Cory Booker's 2006 campaign for mayor of Newark, N.J.
Education (2)
- Yale University Law School: JD
- Yale University: BA
Select Accomplishments (3)
Links
Affiliations (1)
- J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (2010-14)
Select Media Appearances (15)
Legal Ramifications for the Election Voting Process
Bloomberg
11/4/2020
Villanova Law Dean Mark Alexander discussed the 2020 Presidential Election, the vote counting process and the potential legal ramifications.
Will the US presidential debates change the course of the election?
BBC World Service
9/25/2020
On Sept. 29, the two US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden will take part in the first of three 90-minute live televised debates ahead of the presidential election in November. Tanya Beckett asks can the debates affect the outcome of the election? Mark Alexander is Dean of the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Dean Alexander’s segment begins at the 13:15 mark.
Varied Perspectives, Better Solutions: The Case for Diversity in Law School Leadership
National Law Journal
3/1/2020
Law schools are not just places where future attorneys learn the ins and outs of the law. They are proven training grounds for future leaders in politics, government and corporations, producing about 40% of Members of Congress, 26 of our 45 presidents, and 10% of CEOs at top companies. Diversity in law schools can help ensure diversity at the top levels of society, and diversity in law leadership will help us get there.
Recapping The Democratic Presidential Debate In Iowa
National Public Radio "Morning Edition"
1/15/2020
NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Mark Alexander, dean of Villanova University's law school, about the latest Democratic debate. He has prepped candidates, such as Barack Obama, for previous debates.
Trump cites ‘obligation to end corruption,’ but ex-ethics official says he’s digging deeper hole
Roll Call
10/4/2019
“Speaker Pelosi has expertly rallied her far-flung caucus around this narrow focus ensuring a clear message and as minimal political risk as possible. She has been clear that this is a matter of national security,” said Mark Alexander, dean of the Villanova University School of Law. “Keeping the impeachment proceedings focused on national security will be compelling to the American people — a more scatter-shot approach would be seen as partisan and likely ineffective in persuading voters,” Alexander added.
CNN Newsroom With Brooke Baldwin (Sept. 12)
CNN
9/12/2019
We are hours from the most streamlined Democratic primary debate so far for the 2020 race for president. … Mark Alexander was on the team who prepared then-Senator Obama for the 2008 presidential debate. He is now Dean at Villanova University law school.
CNN Newsroom With Brooke Baldwin (July 31)
CNN
7/31/2019
Villanova School of Law Dean Mark Alexander had a one-on-one discussion with CNN host Brooke Baldwin about the democratic debate. … “How the candidates conduct themselves in the longer conversations and how they defend their positions, that's what's impressive to me,” Dean Alexander said.
Booker chases breakout moment by going after Biden
The Hill
7/27/2019
“I think that’s going to be his key to success, being that genuine Cory Booker who believes in unity,” said Mark Alexander, the Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law at Villanova’s Charles Widger School of Law, and former adviser to Booker during his Newark mayoral run.
Ahead of the Curve: Election Law Is Hot
National Law Journal
9/18/2018
Let’s keep it real: Election law hasn’t always been the sexiest of legal topics. In fact, relatively few scholars focused on election law until 2000’s Bush v. Gore thrust it into national headlines. That’s according to election law expert Mark Alexander, who also happens to be dean of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
Op-ed: Our nation thrives on respect of the justice system, not impeachment
The Hill
6/1/2018
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule on cases involving gerrymandering—the age-old practice of drawing district lines to help one’s political fortunes. They may ultimately set the standards, but still the question is what follows. Here in Pennsylvania, we saw one reaction that we must avoid.
Trump pardon: Can the president pardon himself?
MSNBC
7/24/2017
So, Mark Alexander, dean as you are of Villanova Law School, that has been the consensus view of a lot of legal scholars: that the President can’t pardon himself. On the other side of that is Jonathan Turley, who’s a libertarian attorney, who says that he can. Who’s right? Well, I think that if the president were to try to pardon himself that he’d be placing himself above the law.
Trump AG firing recalls Nixon's 'Saturday Night Massacre'
MSNBC
2/4/2017
Donald Trump fired acting attorney general Sally Yates on Monday after she refused to enforce that executive order barring immigrants from seven majority Muslim countries and refugees from around the world from coming to the United States. Joining me now is Mark Alexander, Dean of Villanova Law School.
Trump transition team's squabble over secretary of state pick
CBS This Morning
11/28/2016
For more on the Trump transition, we are joined by Mark Alexander, Dean of the Villanova School of Law who was part of the senior leadership of the Obama-Biden transition effort.
Dean Mark Alexander Talks Debate Prep on MSNBC
MSNBC
10/10/2016
Mark Alexander, he’s the Dean of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and he was a senior advisor to President Obama’s 2008 campaign. Also kind of a debate guru, right, you’ve helped a lot of people prepare for debates.
Op-ed: First Year Will Shape You For Decades to Come
The National Law Journal
9/26/2016
Take a chance and connect with classmates of different cultures. Your future clients will thank you.
Select Academic Articles (5)
Let Them Do Their Jobs: The Compelling Government Interest in Protecting the Time of Candidates and Elected Officials
Loyola University-Chicago Law Journal
2006
Money is Political Campaigns and Modern Vote Dilution
University of Minnesota Journal of Law & Inequality
2005
Contact Mark C. Alexander, JD