Stephen Carter Yale

Stephen L. Carter is a renowned American law professor, author, and columnist, currently serving as the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale Law School. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Carter has established himself as a leading voice in the fields of law, ethics, and culture. His work has been widely acclaimed for its intellectual rigor, nuance, and accessibility, making him one of the most respected and sought-after thinkers in his generation.

Early Life and Education

Carter was born in 1954 in Washington, D.C. He grew up in a family of modest means, with his father working as a carpenter and his mother as a nurse. Despite the financial challenges they faced, Carter’s parents instilled in him a strong love of learning and a commitment to hard work. He attended the prestigious St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he excelled academically and developed a passion for writing and debate. Carter then went on to attend Stanford University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1976. He later attended Yale Law School, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1979.

Academic Career

After completing his law degree, Carter clerked for Judge Spottswood Robinson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He then worked as a law clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the U.S. Supreme Court, a experience that would have a profound impact on his intellectual and professional development. In 1984, Carter joined the faculty of Yale Law School, where he has taught a wide range of courses, including constitutional law, contracts, and professional responsibility. His teaching style is known for its clarity, wit, and intellectual curiosity, and he has been recognized with numerous awards for his excellence in the classroom.

Research and Scholarship

Carter’s research interests are diverse and far-reaching, encompassing topics such as constitutional law, contract law, and professional responsibility. He has written extensively on these subjects, publishing numerous articles and book chapters in leading law reviews and academic journals. His work is characterized by its intellectual rigor, analytical precision, and commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry. Carter is also a prolific author of books, having written several critically acclaimed volumes on law, ethics, and culture. His most notable works include The Culture of Disbelief (1991), Civility (1998), and God’s Name in Vain (2000).

Notable Works

Carter’s book The Culture of Disbelief (1991) is a seminal work that explores the relationship between law and religion in American society. The book argues that the separation of church and state has led to a “culture of disbelief,” in which religious values and principles are marginalized and excluded from public discourse. Carter’s analysis is nuanced and thought-provoking, drawing on a wide range of sources, including history, philosophy, and literature. The book has been widely praised for its intellectual depth and its contribution to ongoing debates about the role of religion in public life.

• The Culture of Disbelief (1991)
• Civility (1998)
• God's Name in Vain (2000)
• The Emperor of Ocean Park (2002)
• New England White (2007)

Teaching and Mentorship

Carter is widely recognized as an exceptional teacher and mentor, known for his ability to inspire and motivate students from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of experience. He has taught a wide range of courses at Yale Law School, including constitutional law, contracts, and professional responsibility. Carter’s teaching style is characterized by its clarity, wit, and intellectual curiosity, and he has been recognized with numerous awards for his excellence in the classroom. He is also a dedicated mentor, providing guidance and support to students and young scholars who are pursuing careers in law, academia, and public service.

Awards and Honors

Carter has received numerous awards and honors for his teaching, scholarship, and public service. These include the Yale Law School’s Teaching Award (2001), the National Book Award nomination for The Emperor of Ocean Park (2002), and the NAACP Image Award for New England White (2007). Carter has also been recognized for his contributions to public service, including his work as a member of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and his service as a trustee of the Aspen Institute.