William Clune on ‘Reforming Public Security in Brazil’

William Clune recently published “Reforming Public Security in Brazil: Federal Coordination and Institutional Change.” The article examines the political and legal challenges surrounding proposed reforms to public security policy in Brazil, particularly policing. Reform efforts are complicated by overlapping governmental jurisdictions, unclear definitions of public security policy and police operational authority, and ongoing uncertainty about the meanings of key concepts such as “public security” and “public order.”

The article argues that these ambiguities create obstacles to effective reform and contribute to resistance from multiple political actors and institutions. Because opposition comes from diverse stakeholders, meaningful progress is unlikely without broad negotiation and compromise. The analysis suggests that successful policing reforms will depend on developing shared understandings of core concepts and building consensus across competing political and legal interests. Read the article.

Jason Reinecke on Patent Law, AI and Innovation

In the 49th episode of the “Wisconsin Law in Action podcast” podcast, Jason Reinecke discusses a variety of hot-button topics in law practice and legal academia. Reinecke begins by tracing his interest in innovation policy and how his background as a mechanical engineer has influenced his career in law. This experience has helped illuminate why patent law matters. He explains how patents drive innovation but also must carefully balance policy to not price people out of markets.

Drawing on his clerkship with Federal Circuit Chief Judge Sharon Prost, Reinecke describes his empirical research showing that while judicial panel composition affects outcomes, the governing law matters even more. He argues good lawyers must “read between the lines” of opinions to grasp the policy preferences judges bring to cases.

On AI, he flags unresolved questions around copyright and fair use, and suggests cheaper innovation may justify fewer patents. He closes by discussing his paper “Can AI Hold Office Hours?”, which found AI gives fluent but sometimes deceptively wrong answers. Listen and follow on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts and, now, Spotify