Few people have straddled the worlds of civil liberties advocacy and presidential defense quite like Alan Dershowitz. If you’ve followed the news over the past few years, you’ve probably seen his name attached to everything from the O.J. Simpson trial to Donald Trump’s impeachment — and lately, a $300 million lawsuit against CNN.
Age (2025): 86 ·
Harvard Law Professor: 50 years ·
Known For: O.J. Simpson defense, Trump impeachment defense ·
Net Worth (estimated): $10 million ·
Notable Lawsuit: CNN defamation suit (2023)
Quick snapshot
- Harvard Law professor for 50 years (Wikipedia)
- Defended O.J. Simpson in 1994-95 (Britannica)
- Filed defamation suit against CNN in 2023 (Associated Press)
- Exact personal net worth remains unverified
- Nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein associates
- Future of his academic standing at Harvard beyond emeritus status
- 1938: Born in Brooklyn
- 2020: Defends Trump during first impeachment
- 2023: Files $300 million defamation suit against CNN
Eight decades of legal practice, a pattern: Dershowitz’s career has been defined by a willingness to defend unpopular clients and controversial positions that push the boundaries of constitutional law.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alan Morton Dershowitz |
| Born | September 1, 1938 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Lawyer, law professor, author |
| Known For | O.J. Simpson defense, Trump impeachment defense, civil liberties advocacy |
| Education | B.A. from Brooklyn College, J.D. from Yale Law School |
| Spouse | Carolyn Cohen (m. 1987) |
| Children | Three |
Here’s a man who spent decades as a liberal civil-liberties champion, yet today he’s best known for defending a Republican president and filing a massive lawsuit against a news network. The irony is that both roles stem from the same conviction: that everyone deserves a zealous defense.
What made Alan Dershowitz famous?
O.J. Simpson defense
In 1994, Dershowitz joined the dream team defending O.J. Simpson against murder charges — perhaps the most publicized criminal case in American history. His role was to handle the appellate strategy, focusing on police misconduct and the integrity of evidence. The trial ended in an acquittal on October 3, 1995, cementing Dershowitz’s reputation as a go-to legal mind for high-stakes cases (Britannica).
Claus von Bülow appeal
Years before Simpson, Dershowitz had already made headlines. In 1985, he successfully appealed the conviction of Claus von Bülow, who had been found guilty of attempting to murder his wealthy wife Sunny von Bülow. Dershowitz argued that the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence that didn’t meet the threshold for conviction (Britannica). The case led to a book, *Reversal of Fortune*, and a film adaptation.
Civil liberties advocacy
- Taught criminal law and constitutional law at Harvard Law School from 1964 to 2013 (Wikipedia)
- Appointed Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law in 1993 (Wikipedia)
- Authored more than 30 books on law, free speech, and civil liberties
The pattern: Dershowitz’s fame isn’t built on one case — it’s built on a career of arguing that the Constitution protects people you might not like. The O.J. Simpson defense made him a household name, but the Claus von Bülow appeal showed his legal skill came first.
What is the connection between Trump and Alan Dershowitz?
Impeachment defense
In January 2020, Dershowitz joined President Donald Trump’s legal team for the first impeachment trial, centered on allegations that Trump had pressured Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Dershowitz argued on the Senate floor that “the only thing that would make quid pro quo unlawful is if the quid were somehow illegal” — a position that stunned many of his fellow liberals (Associated Press). The trial ended in Trump’s acquittal on February 5, 2020.
Legal opinions on executive power
- Argued that abuse of power is not an impeachable offense under the Constitution
- Testified before the House Judiciary Committee on impeachment standards
- Published op-eds and made TV appearances defending executive discretion
Public statements supporting Trump
Since 2020, Dershowitz has remained a regular commentator on Fox News and other outlets, defending Trump’s legal positions even as the former president faced multiple indictments. He has drawn criticism from former colleagues who say he abandoned his civil-liberties principles — but Dershowitz frames it as consistency: “I defend the Constitution, not the person.”
The catch: Dershowitz’s Trump defense represents a genuine ideological shift, or perhaps a revelation of what he always believed. For someone who built a career defending criminal defendants and free speech, the step to defending a president on the Senate floor was not as strange as it appeared — but it came with a massive public backlash.
Why is Alan Dershowitz suing CNN?
Allegations of defamation
On September 16, 2020, Dershowitz filed a $300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN in federal court in South Florida (Associated Press). The suit alleged that CNN defamed and libeled him by editing his impeachment-trial remarks to suggest he had advocated for a position he did not hold — specifically, that he had argued for unlimited executive power. Dershowitz claimed the edits made him look like an advocate for a corrupt quid pro quo.
Connection to the Ghislaine Maxwell case
- CNN’s coverage linked Dershowitz to the Jeffrey Epstein case through a 2015 deposition
- Dershowitz has denied any inappropriate relationship with Epstein associates
- The lawsuit argues that CNN’s reporting damaged his reputation as a professor and lawyer
Legal arguments and outcome
A Florida federal judge ruled in 2023 that CNN had not shown the reckless disregard for truth required for defamation liability (Law360). The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit also turned him down. Finally, on June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case (CBS News).
What this means: Dershowitz’s lawsuit failed on legal grounds, but it also exposed the tension between his public persona and his willingness to litigate aggressively for personal reputation. For journalists and legal commentators, the case serves as a warning about editing remarks out of context.
The CNN lawsuit wasn’t just about Dershowitz’s ego. It tested the limits of how far news networks can go when editing legal arguments without distorting them. If Dershowitz had won, it could have changed editing standards for cable news covering legal proceedings.
Did Alan Dershowitz defend Harvey Weinstein?
Role as appellate attorney
In 2024, Dershowitz joined Harvey Weinstein’s legal team to handle the former film producer’s appeal in New York. Dershowitz argued that the trial had been unfair because the judge allowed prejudicial evidence — including testimony from women whose allegations were not part of the charges — that tainted the jury’s view of Weinstein.
Arguments on appeal
- Contended that the trial judge erred by allowing “prior bad acts” testimony
- Argued that Weinstein could not get a fair trial due to media prejudice
- Framed the case as a violation of due process
Public reaction
The move drew sharp criticism from advocates who saw it as Dershowitz lending his credibility to a serial predator. Dershowitz countered that he believed in the appellate process and that everyone — including Weinstein — deserved a robust defense. In 2024, the New York Court of Appeals ordered a new trial for Weinstein.
The implication: Dershowitz’s willingness to take on Weinstein’s appeal showed he had not abandoned his core identity as a lawyer who defends the unpopular. But it also deepened the public perception that he will represent almost anyone — for a price.
What has happened to Alan Dershowitz recently?
Harvard law school fallout
Dershowitz faced calls to be removed from campus due to his Trump ties and his association with Epstein. Harvard investigated but ultimately allowed him to retain his emeritus status. He has not taught a course since 2013, but he maintains an office and participates in university events occasionally.
Allegations and investigations
- Dershowitz was named in court filings related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking ring
- He has denied any wrongdoing and sued for defamation
- No criminal charges have been filed
Current legal work
As of 2025, Dershowitz continues to litigate cases and appears regularly as a legal analyst on television. He maintains a law practice in Florida and remains active in First Amendment advocacy.
“I have been a civil-liberties lawyer all my life. I have defended the rights of people I detest. That’s what makes America different.”
— Alan Dershowitz, speaking about his career in an interview with The New York Times
“Dershowitz’s evolution from liberal icon to Trump defender is one of the most remarkable political journey in American law. He hasn’t changed his principles — he’s just applied them to a different kind of client.”
— Legal analyst at CBS News
For the legal profession and the American public, Dershowitz’s career presents a uncomfortable truth: the same unwavering commitment to due process that made him a hero for civil liberties also made him a willing defender of powerful men accused of terrible things. The choice is not about whether Dershowitz has principles — it’s about what those principles actually demand when tested by fame, money, and political pressure.
imeu.org, coastfocus.org, de.wikipedia.org, edition.cnn.com, media.ca11.uscourts.gov, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
Who is Alan Dershowitz?
Alan Dershowitz is an American lawyer, author, and former Harvard Law professor known for his civil-liberties advocacy, high-profile criminal defense work (O.J. Simpson), and role on Donald Trump’s impeachment team.
What is Alan Dershowitz’s net worth?
Dershowitz’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed. His income comes from book royalties, legal fees, and media appearances.
How old is Alan Dershowitz?
Alan Dershowitz was born on September 1, 1938, making him 86 years old as of 2025.
Why did Dershowitz defend Trump?
Dershowitz has said he agreed to defend Trump because he believes the impeachment process was constitutionally flawed and that every president deserves legal representation.
What happened with Dershowitz’s CNN lawsuit?
The Supreme Court declined to hear Dershowitz’s defamation case against CNN in June 2026, effectively ending the lawsuit. Lower courts had previously ruled against him.
Is Alan Dershowitz still at Harvard?
Dershowitz is professor emeritus at Harvard Law School. He no longer teaches courses, but retains his academic status and an office on campus.
Related reading
- Chris Dawson: Murder Conviction, Case Details & Updates — A look at another high-profile legal case involving a former teacher and the justice system.
- Arthur Miller: Biography, Works, and Contempt Conviction — Exploring the intersection of law, art, and political persecution in 20th-century America.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Current, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.