Jonathan P Witmer-Rich

Jonathan P Witmer-Rich serves as Professor at Cleveland State University's College of Law, teaching criminal law, criminal procedure, and law and terrorism since joining the faculty in 2009.

Education

• J.D., University of Michigan, 2000
• B.A. in English, Goshen College, 1997

Research Interests

His scholarship centers on criminal procedure and criminal law theory, with specific expertise in warrants for covert searches, affirmative consent frameworks in sexual assault cases, provocation doctrine applications, and constitutional challenges to pretextual traffic stops. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical criminal justice reform initiatives.

Awards

• Ohio Faculty Innovator Award from the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents
• CSU College of Law Alumni Association Stapleton Award for Faculty Excellence
• 2015 Faculty of the Year Award (student-selected)

Professional Engagement

Witmer-Rich actively shapes policy as principal drafter of the Cuyahoga County Bail Task Force's 2018 Report and Recommendations and ongoing counsel to Ohio's Criminal Rules Committee. He frequently provides expert commentary in national media on criminal justice and counterterrorism matters, leveraging his prior experience representing Guantanamo detainees and federal terrorism defendants.