Chad Marzen

Professor of Business Law

Department Risk Management

Phone Number 814-863-5457
Email Address cgm5545@psu.edu

Download Vita Google Scholar

Chad Marzen

Professor of Business Law

Department Risk Management

Phone Number 814-863-5457
Email Address cgm5545@psu.edu

Download Photo Download Vita Google Scholar

Chad Marzen is a Professor of Business Law at the Smeal College of Business. He grew up on a farm in north central Iowa and is a proud first-generation undergraduate as well as law school alumnus. He received a B.A. from Grinnell College in 2005 and a J.D. from Saint Louis University in 2008. He practiced in an insurance defense law firm in Omaha, Nebraska prior to serving twelve years on the faculty of the College of Business at Florida State University. He is a member of the state bar of Iowa.

Professor Marzen is an author or co-author of approximately 61 published or forthcoming academic articles. His authored or co-authored articles have been published or are forthcoming in journals such as the Baylor Law Review, Oklahoma Law Review, Syracuse Law Review, San Diego Law Review, Saint Louis University Law Journal, Oregon Law Review, Mississippi Law Journal, University of Louisville Law Review, West Virginia Law Review, Albany Law Review, Pace Law Review, Vermont Law Review, North Dakota Law Review, University of Dayton Law Review, Journal of Insurance Regulation, Georgetown Environmental Law Review, Harvard Journal on Racial & Ethnic Justice, New York University Journal of Law and Business, New York University Journal of Law & Liberty, Virginia Environmental Law Journal, Virginia Law & Business Review, Journal of College of University Law, Texas Hispanic Journal of Law & Policy, Boston University Public Interest Law Journal, Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review, Brigham Young University Journal of Public Law, North Carolina Journal of International Law, Fordham Environmental Law Review, William & Mary Environmental Law & Policy Review, and the William & Mary Business Law Review, among others. He has served as an expert witness on three crop insurance cases in federal court and has presented on federal crop insurance issues at the Boston College Law School, Creighton University School of Law, and the University of North Dakota School of Law. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award from the Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association (2013), the Ralph G. Bunche Award from the Academy of Legal Studies in Business (2014), the Professional Scholarship Award from the American Agricultural Law Association (2019), the University Undergraduate Teaching Award from Florida State University (2020) and the Charles G. Hardwick Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Florida State University College of Business (2022).

Marzen’s article on carbon monoxide and the pollution exclusion in insurance policies published in the North Dakota Law Review was cited by United States District Court Judge Sharon Gleason of the United States District Court for the District of Alaska in Estate of Wheeler v. Garrison Property and Casualty Company, Case No. 4:20-cv-00041-SLG, 2022 WL 1663418, Order on Cross-Motions for Declaratory Judgment (D. Alaska May 25, 2022).

Marzen has been interviewed by media outlets as varied as the Washington Times, Associated Press, National Catholic Reporter, and Investopedia.

Marzen also appears in the cast of the documentary film Hot Money (2021), directed by Susan Kucera, and thus has a documentary film credit along with Academy Award winning actor Jeff Bridges.

Education

JD, Law (International and Comparative Law (Certificate)), Saint Louis University School of Law, 2008

BA, Political Science/History, Grinnell College, 2005

Courses Taught

BLAW 341 – Business Law I (3)
An introduction to the business environment emphasizing business contracts, liability issues arising from business relations, including those in the internet realm and intellectual property issues. Alternative dispute resolution and global perspectives will be integrated throughout. B LAW 341 Business Law I: Introduction to Contracts, Liability Issues, and Intellectual Property (3) Business decisions have legal consequences. Such decisions can represent both legal risks and opportunities. It is important for one entering business to have a fundamental understanding of the governing legal principles. This course will provide an introduction to the U.S. legal system, coverage of the major components of contract law, and an examination of business liability issues under tort law. In addition, the intellectual property issues of trade secrets, trademarks, patents, and copyrights will be covered. The impact of digital technology and business globalization will be integrated into each topic discussed. The course will be taught in a lecture-discussion format to encourage interaction and exploration of difficult issues. The course text and materials will include key business legal cases.

BLAW 444 – Advanced Ucc (3)
All articles of the Uniform Commercial Code, banking relationships, debtor- creditor law, and bankruptcy law. B LAW 444B LAW 444 Advanced UCC and Commercial Transactions (3) This course is designed to: (1) provide the student with a systematic study of the laws governing sales transactions, the instruments for financing those transactions and rights and liabilities of debtors and creditors (the Uniform Commercial Code governs these issues); (2) to explore current trends in the law affecting commercial transactions; (3) to develop further the student's legal reasoning processes; (4) to enhance the student's ability to identify legal issues from the business decision maker's and financial auditor's perspectives. Instructional methods will include lectures, readings, multimedia content, and class discussions. Student progress and mastery of the material will be evaluated through periodic examinations. Some state C.P.A. Boards require completion of this course as a prerequisite to obtaining certification as a public accountant. Completion of the course will be credited toward fulfillment of the requirements for the Legal Environment of Business Minor.

Selected Publications

Marzen C., Conklin M., "Solar Eclipses and the Law." SMU Science & Technology Law Review, 2024, pp. 17

Marzen C., Conklin M., "Baseball and Age Discrimination: Experience Matters." Oklahoma Law Review, 2024, pp. 23

Marzen C., Rockwell C., "Justice on the High Seas: Nonpecuniary Damages and the Death on the High Seas Act." William & Mary Business Law Review, 2024, pp. 38

Marzen C., "Insurance Law and Religious Belief." The Business, Entrepreneurship & Tax Law Review (University of Missouri School of Law), 2024, pp. 20

Marzen C., Goeringer P., "Federal Crop Insurance and the False Claims Act." Southern Ag Today, 2023, southernagtoday.org/2023/12/29/federal-crop-insurance-and-the-false-claims-act/
This short contribution, "Federal Crop Insurance and the False Claims Act," co-authored with Professor Paul Goeringer of the University of Maryland, was published in Southern Ag Today on December 29, 2023. Southern Ag Today "provides daily peer-reviewed articles focused on issues affecting Southern agriculture."

Marzen C., "The Conservative Case Against Legacy Preferences in College and University Admissions." Syracuse Law Review, 2023, pp. 20
This Article was accepted for publication in the Syracuse Law Review to be part of the law review's symposium on "Education Access and Opportunity."

Marzen C., "Viewing the Package Half Full: The Case for Federal Legislation to Reduce Environmental Harm from Shrinkflation and Slack-Fill Packaging." Georgetown Environmental Law Review, vol. 36, 2023, pp. 36

Marzen C., "Moon v. Schultz - Damages in Tree Fall Cases." Southern Ag Today, 2023, southernagtoday.org/2023/06/16/moon-v-schultz-damages-in-tree-fall-cases/
My short contribution, "Moon v. Shultz - Damages in Tree Fall Cases," was published in Southern Ag Today on June 16, 2023. Southern Ag Today "provides daily peer-reviewed articles focused on issues affecting Southern agriculture."

Marzen C., "Hydroponic Agriculture and Insurance Coverage." Southern Ag Today, 2023, southernagtoday.org/2023/01/06/hydroponic-agriculture-and-insurance-coverage/

Cole C. R., Marzen C., "Nuclear Verdicts, Tort Liability, and Legislative Responses." Journal of Insurance Regulation, 2023, pp. 35, content.naic.org/sites/default/files/cipr-jir-2023-3.pdf

Marzen C., Conklin M., "Information Leaking and the United States Supreme Court." Brigham Young University Journal of Public Law, vol. 37, no. 1, 2023, pp. 29, digitalcommons.law.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1623&context=jpl

Marzen C., "A Bibliography of Key Final Agency Determinations of the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency." Texas A & M Journal of Property Law, vol. 9, no. 2, 2023, pp. 18, scholarship.law.tamu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1211&context=journal-of-property-law

Marzen C., "The Gospels and American Jurisprudence." University of Memphis Law Review, vol. 53, no. 3, 2023, pp. 643-666

Bagby J., Aalberts R., Marzen C., "Medical Martial Law: Toward a More Effective Pandemic Policy." Southern Illinois University Law Journal, vol. 47, 2022, pp. 1-78, law.siu.edu/_common/documents/law-journal/articles-2022/fall-2022/1---Marzen.pdf

Marzen C., "The Actions of Crop Insurance Bad Faith." The Business, Entrepreneurship and Tax Law Review (University of Missouri School of Law), no. 6, 2022, pp. 17-33

Marzen C., "The Biden Presidential Era: Ten Potential Areas of Bipartisan Cooperation in Agricultural Policy." University of St. Thomas Journal of Law & Public Policy, vol. 16, no. 1, 2022, pp. 83-103

Marzen C., Conklin M., "Stagflation in American Jurisprudence." Pace Law Review, vol. 42, no. 1, 2021, pp. 1-23

Marzen C., "Principled Conservatism: The CARES Act and the Lone Voice." Virginia Law and Business Review, vol. 15, no. 3, 2021, pp. 401-416

Marzen C., "The Veterans' Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act." Widener Law Review, vol. 27, no. 2, 2021, pp. 111-121

Marzen C., "In Defense of the Iowa Caucuses." Creighton Law Review, vol. 54, no. 3, 2021, pp. 359-379

Marzen C., "Humble Conservatism: Stewardship, the Rule of Law, and a Consistent Life Ethic"." Quinnipiac Law Review, vol. 39, no. 2, 2021, pp. 133-148

Marzen C., "The Extraordinary Force of Nature Defense as a Defense to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Liability." New York University Journal of Law and Liberty, vol. 14, no. 3, 2021, pp. 709-732

Marzen C., "COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: A Brief Proposal for Future Pandemics." Wake Forest Journal of Business and Intellectual Property Law, vol. 21, no. 3, 2021, pp. 377-394

Marzen C., "Coronavirus Liability: Lessons from H1N1, Ebola and Zika Crises." Wayne Law Review (Wayne State University Law School), vol. 67, no. 1, 2021, pp. 27-45

Marzen C., Conklin M., "Coronavirus "Cures" and the Courts." William & Mary Business Law Review, vol. 12, no. 1, 2020, pp. 1-22

Marzen C., "Purchase Options in Agricultural Farmland Leases." Drake Journal of Agricultural Law, vol. 25, no. 1, 2020, pp. 41-60

Marzen C., "A Constitutional Right to Public Information." Boston University Public Interest Law Journal, vol. 29, no. 2, 2020, pp. 223-244

Marzen C., "Disqualifications in Horse Racing." Oregon Law Review, vol. 98, no. 2, 2020, pp. 547-575

Marzen C., "Balochistan, Self-Determination, and U.S. Foreign Policy." North Carolina Journal of International Law, vol. 45, no. 1, 2020, pp. 195-225

Marzen C., "The 2018 Farm Bill: Legislative Compromise in the Trump Era." Fordham Environmental Law Review, vol. 30, no. 3, 2019, pp. 49-91

Marzen C., "Beyond the Classroom and Casebook: The Three Things Every Young Insurance Defense Litigator Should Know." Mississippi Law Journal, vol. 88, no. 2, 2019, pp. 147-177

Marzen C., "Statutes of Limitations and Crop Insurance." Syracuse Law Review, vol. 69, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-25

Marzen C., "The Application of International Law in State Courts: The Case of Florida." University of Toledo Law Review, vol. 49, no. 2, 2018, pp. 205-231

Marzen C., "An Analysis of Home Warranty Contracts." Albany Law Review, vol. 81, no. 1, 2018, pp. 231-266

Marzen C., "Agriculture and Res Ipsa Loquitur." Oklahoma Law Review, vol. 70, no. 3, 2018, pp. 679-698

Marzen C., "Public Records Denials." New York University Journal of Law & Liberty, vol. 11, no. 3, 2018, pp. 966-1027

Marzen C., "An Analysis of United States Federal District Court Admission Requirements." Vermont Law Review, vol. 42, no. 4, 2018, pp. 663-687

Marzen C., "The Pollution Exclusion and Carbon Monoxide." North Dakota Law Review, vol. 93, no. 2, 2018, pp. 219-242

Marzen C., "Home Warranty Regulation Through the Lens of Florida's Home Warranty Statute: Claims, Issues and Remedies." (Thomson Reuters), vol. 34, 2018, pp. 410-437

Marzen C., "Inclusivity with Reciprocity: Permitting Law Teachers Outside of ABA-Accredited Law Schools Bar Admission Through Admission on Motion Rules." University of Dayton Law Review, vol. 43, no. 3, 2018, pp. 347-372

Marzen C., "Home Warranty Regulation Through the Lens of Florida's Home Warranty Statute: Claims, Issues and Remedies." University of Louisville Law Review, vol. 55, no. 1, 2017, pp. 1-24

Marzen C., "Insurance Coverage and Custom Farming." Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Law, vol. 9, no. 2, 2017, pp. 191-210

Marzen C., Prum D., Aalberts R., "The New Sharing Economy: The Role of Property, Tort and Contract Law for Managing the Airbnb Model." New York University Journal of Law and Business, vol. 13, no. 2, 2017, pp. 295-336

Marzen C., "Bankruptcy and Federal Crop Insurance." Virginia Environmental Law Journal, vol. 34, no. 3, 2016, pp. 28-46

Marzen C., Ballard G., "Climate Change and Federal Crop Insurance." Boston College Environmental Affairs Law Review, vol. 43, no. 2, 2016, pp. 387-410

Marzen C., "Public Policy Considerations Concerning Forum Selection Clauses in Insurance Contracts." Saint Louis University Law Journal, vol. 61, no. 1, 2016, pp. 83-115

Marzen C., Woodyard W., "Catholic Social Teaching, the Right to Immigrate, and the Right to Regulate Borders: A Proposed Solution for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Based Upon Catholic Social Principles." San Diego Law Review, vol. 53, no. 4, 2016, pp. 781-827

Bisco J., Marzen C., "Banking Without Guarantees? Public Policy Considerations Concerning Insurance Company Retained Asset Accounts." University of Baltimore Law Review, vol. 46, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1-56

Wells B., Marzen C., "Getting SLAPPed: A Small Business Risk in the 21st Century." Small Business Institute Journal, vol. 12, no. 1, 2016, pp. 28-46

Aalberts R., Marzen C., Prum D., "Studying is Dangerous? Possible Federal Remedies for Study Abroad Liability." Journal of College and University Law, vol. 41, no. 2, 2015, pp. 189-236

Marzen C., "The Personal Liability of Insurance Claims Adjusters for Insurance Bad Faith." West Virginia Law Review, vol. 118, no. 1, 2015, pp. 411-438

Marzen C., "Law, Popular Legal Culture, and the Case of Kansas, 1854-1856." Wyoming Law Review, vol. 14, no. 1, 2014, pp. 189-209

Marzen C., "Public Policy Considerations Concerning Insurance Bad Faith and Residual Market Mechanisms." Baylor Law Review, vol. 66, no. 2, 2014, pp. 388-424

Prum D., Marzen C., "Set Up for Abduction and Extortion by the IRS: Does the Reporting of Interest Paid on U.S. Bank Deposits Undermine the Government's Obligation to Avoid Instigating Terrorism by Foreign Crimin." Texas Hispanic Journal of Law and Policy, vol. 20, no. 1, 2014, pp. 1-46

Marzen C., "The Merrill Doctrine and Federally Reinsured Crop Insurers." North Dakota Law Review, vol. 89, no. 4, 2013, pp. 585-610

Marzen C., "Hispanics in the Heartland: The Fremont, Nebraska Immigration Ordinance and the Future of Latino Civil Rights." Harvard Journal on Racial and Ethnic Justice, vol. 29, 2013, pp. 69-93

Marzen C., "Crop Insurance Bad Faith: Protection for America's Farmers." Creighton Law Review, vol. 46, no. 4, 2013, pp. 619-652

Cole C., Marzen C., "A Review of State Sovereign Immunity Statutes and the Management of Liability Risks by States." Journal of Insurance Regulation, vol. 32, 2013, pp. 45-82

Marzen C., "Crop Insurance Fraud and Misrepresentations: Contemporary Issues and Possible Remedies." William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review, vol. 37, no. 3, 2013, pp. 675-707

Marzen C., "Can (and Should) an Insurance Defense Attorney Be Held Liable for Insurance Bad Faith?." Virginia Law and Business Review, vol. 7, no. 1, 2012, pp. 97-124

Woodyard W., Marzen C., "Is Greed Good? A Catholic Perspective on Modern Usury." Brigham Young University Journal of Public Law, vol. 27, no. 1, 2012, pp. 185-227

Marzen C., "The Legacy of Rux v. Republic of Sudan and the Future of the Judicial War on Terror." Cardozo Public Law, Policy and Ethics Journal, vol. 10, no. 3, 2012, pp. 435-468

Marzen C., "Nebraska: Nebraska Appeals Court Denies Recovery of Attorney's Fees in Case Involving Adjustment of Liability Priorities Between Two Insurers." vol. Summer 2012, 2012, pp. 11

Marzen C., "OCIPs in the Future of the Insurance Industry: Legal and Regulatory Considerations." University of Miami Business Law Review, vol. 20, no. 1, 2011, pp. 49-76

Marzen C., "Protecting Statements in Catholic Tribunal Proceedings Under the Priest-Penitent Privilege: Cimijotti v. Paulsen Considered." University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, vol. 88, no. 2, 2011, pp. 291-305

Marzen C., "The Wrap Up of Wrap Ups? Owner Controlled Insurance Programs and the Exclusive Remedy Defense." Drake Law Review, vol. 59, no. 3, 2011, pp. 867-886

Marzen C., "Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs: Considerations for the Nebraska Defense Lawyer." vol. 3, no. 1, 2011, pp. 6-Apr

Marzen C., "Religion and the Alien Tort Statute." Creighton International and Comparative Law Journal, vol. 1, no. 1, 2011, pp. 55-59

Marzen C., "Vacating Default Judgments for Failure to Timely File an Answer: A Nebraska Caselaw Analysis." vol. July - August, 2011, pp. 23-26

Marzen C., "Charles Sumner: History's Misunderstood Idealist." Oklahoma City University Law Review, vol. 35, no. 3, 2010, pp. 607-623

Marzen C., "The Furundzija Judgment and Its Continued Vitality in International Law." Creighton Law Review, vol. 43, no. 2, 2010, pp. 505-528

Marzen C., Jensen-Blackford A., "Wyeth v Levine: The U.S. Supreme Court's New Approach to Preemption - Is Parochialism to Prevail?." 2009, pp. 6-Apr

Marzen C., "Nebraska." (Defense Research Institute), 2009, pp. 297-300

Marzen C., "The Holy See's Worldwide Role and International Human Rights: Solely Symbolic?." University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, vol. 86, 2009, pp. 659-683

Marzen C., "The Role of Custom in Canon, Jewish and Islamic Law: Supplemented, Superseded or Supplanted by Written Law?." Ohio Northern University Law Review, vol. 35, 2009, pp. 813-827

Marzen C., "Introductory Note to "El-Shifa Pharmaceuticals Company v. United States"." vol. 48, 2009, pp. 829-830

Marzen C., "Liability for Terrorism in American Courts: Aiding-and-Abetting Liability Under the FSIA State-Sponsor of Terrorism Exception and the Alien Tort Statute." Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, vol. 25, 2008, pp. 503-528

Marzen C., "Archbishop Oscar Romero in the U.S. Media, 1977-1980: Elevation Before Martydom." Khthonios: A Journal for the Study of Religion (Queensland Society for the Study of Religion), 2006, pp. 34-43

Research Impact and Media Mentions

"As Negotiations Return to the Housing Market, Buyers Are Asking for Home Warranties", Money, Internet, money.com/buying-house-negotiate-home-warranty/

"North Star Mutual Insurance Company v. Lyle Rodin, Darin Rodin and Larry Alber", Court Decision

"How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?", WalletHub, Internet, wallethub.com/edu/ci/how-much-car-insurance-do-i-need/71356#expert=Chad_Marzen

"Estate of Wheeler v. Garrison Property and Casualty Company", Court Decision

"Colo. Supreme Rules Adjuster Cant' Be Held Personally Liable for Denied Claim", Claims Journal, Journal or Magazine, www.claimsjournal.com/news/west/2022/03/15/309196.htm

"Colo. Supreme Ct. the Latest to Decide if Claims Adjusters Can Be Held Personally Liable", Claims Journal, Journal or Magazine, www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2022/02/03/308428.htm

"Hot Money", Documentary Film Credit, www.hotmoneyfilm.com/

"Professor of Insurance Law Weighs in on Home Warranties", Investopedia, Internet, www.investopedia.com/understanding-and-evaluating-home-warranties-5116644

Honors and Awards

Best Paper Award, Mid-Atlantic Academy of Legal Studies in Business, (Apr 1, 2024)

Finalist, Environmental Law Paper Award, Academy of Legal Studies in Business, (Aug 31, 2022)

Charles Hardwick Undergraduate Teaching Award, Florida State University College of Business, (Apr 30, 2022)

Recognition, Thank-a-Professor Program, Florida State University Center for Advancement of Teaching, (Dec 3, 2021)

Florida State University Outstanding Teaching in the Major (Undergrad) Award, Florida State University, Office of the Provost, (Jan 31, 2021)

Recognition, Thank-a-Professor Program, Florida State University Center for Advancement of Teaching, (Dec 18, 2020)

University Undergraduate Teaching Award, Florida State University, Office of the Provost, (Apr 30, 2020)

Recognition, Thank-a-Professor Program, Florida State University Center for Advancement of Teaching, (Dec 5, 2019)

Professional Scholarship Award, American Agricultural Law Association, (Nov 30, 2019)

Finalist, Environmental Law Paper Award, Academy of Legal Studies in Business, (Aug 31, 2019)

Nominee - Florida State University Graduate Teaching Award, Florida State University, Office of the Provost, (Dec 31, 2018)

Recognition - Thank-a-Professor Program, Florida State University Center for Advancement of Teaching, (Nov 16, 2017)

Recognition - Top 20 law review articles for the year in environmental law, Environmental Law & Policy Annual Review, (Aug 31, 2017)

Certificate, Florida State University Burning Spear Society, (Apr 24, 2017)

Nominee, Florida State University Undergraduate Teaching Award, Florida State University, Office of the Provost, (Dec 31, 2015)

Honorable Mention in Online Course Design, Florida State University Office of Distance Learning, (Nov 30, 2015)

Ralph J. Bunche Award for Oustanding International Business Law Paper, Academy of Legal Studies in Business, (Aug 31, 2014)

Distinguished Scholar Award, Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association, (Mar 31, 2013)

Charles E. Payne Scholarship, Grinnell College Department of History, (Dec 31, 2004)

Maria Okey Prize, Grinnell College Department of History, (Dec 31, 2004)

Mortar Board Honor Society, Grinnell College, (Dec 31, 2004)

American Citizenship Award, Iowa State Bar Association, (Dec 31, 2001)

Bernie Saggau Award, Iowa High School Athletic Association, (Dec 31, 2001)

SVA Robert C. Elrod 9th NCB Scholarship, Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association, (Dec 31, 2001)

Iowa State Spelling Bee Champion, (Dec 31, 1997)