Thomas V. Manahan

Thomas V. Manahan is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Cornell Law School. A retired judge of New Jersey's Superior Court Appellate Division (2003–2018), he specializes in criminal law, judicial processes, and constitutional issues. Post-retirement, he teaches courses on bail reform, presidential power, free speech, and judicial ethics at Cornell.

Education:

• B.A., Mount Saint Mary’s College, 1973
• J.D., Seton Hall Law School, 1978

Research Interests: Focuses on the intersection of law and governance, including judicial ethics, criminal procedure reforms, and constitutional challenges in modern contexts. His work addresses systemic biases in legal processes and the evolution of judicial independence.

Professional Background: Served as a prosecutor, attorney general, and judicial reform advisor. Key roles include Director of the Office of State Police Affairs (overseeing DOJ consent decrees on racial profiling) and Union County Prosecutor (1997–2003). Active in judicial training via the New Jersey Judicial College.

Recent Engagements: Appointed as a hearing officer for New Jersey’s CREAMM Act cannabis licensing appeals (2023). Continues mentoring trial judges seeking appellate appointments.