Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Professor Emeritus Michael B. Mushlin has received the John R. Dunne Champion of Justice Award from Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS). The ceremony recognized Mushlin’s career as a scholar, advocate, and defender of prisoners’ rights.
During the award presentation, Karen Murtagh, Executive Director of PLS, highlighted Mushlin’s contributions to justice. She said: “giant in the field of justice,” a “tireless advocate,” and an “extraordinary teacher” who has been “steadfastly courageous and unrelenting in his pursuit of justice.” She added that for more than 40 years, Mushlin has taught and mentored students at Pace Haub Law, emphasizing both legal knowledge and humanity.
Murtagh discussed Mushlin’s influence in prisoners’ rights law, mentioning his authorship of a key four-volume treatise on the subject. She described his scholarship as “practical, powerful, and deeply necessary,” stating it gives “a voice to the voiceless and tools to those of us fighting for them.” According to Murtagh, his work provides a “lifeline” for attorneys, advocates, judges, and law students. She concluded: “When we look at your work, your writing, your teaching, your advocacy. We see more than a legal or teaching career. We see a life lived in service to justice, accountability, and human dignity. You have inspired generations of lawyers.”
Upon accepting the award, Mushlin expressed appreciation for PLS’s efforts to support individuals often overlooked by society. He noted the shared duty among institutions and advocates to protect prisoners’ rights. He stated that hope lies with future advocates who will continue this work toward a society where “the right for prisoners’ rights is the fight for a decent society.”
Mushlin is recognized nationally as an authority in correctional law. He joined Pace Haub Law in 1984 and has taught courses such as Civil Procedure and Prisoners’ Rights. His publications include Rights of Prisoners (5th ed.) and other works on evidence and civil procedure featured in several academic journals.
His professional experience includes roles as staff attorney and project director at the Legal Aid Society’s Prisoners’ Rights Project; Associate Director at the American Civil Liberties Union Children’s Rights Project; staff attorney at Harlem Assertion of Rights; board member and chair positions at organizations including the Correctional Association of New York and Osborne Association; chairing investigations into prison conditions; participation on ABA task forces; and leadership within bar association committees focused on corrections.
The John R. Dunne Champion of Justice Award honors those who uphold Dunne’s legacy as a New York State Senator and former Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights. Introducing the award, Murtagh described Dunne as someone who led with intellect, integrity, heart—and called him a “moral compass” who was “a champion of the voiceless.” She remarked that presenting this award to Mushlin recognizes another committed advocate for justice.
