Scott Shapiro is a prominent American legal scholar and professor at Yale Law School. He is known for his work in the fields of jurisprudence, legal theory, and constitutional law. Shapiro's research focuses on the nature of law, the role of courts in a democratic society, and the relationship between law and morality. He has written extensively on these topics, publishing numerous articles and book chapters in leading academic journals and volumes.
Biographical Background and Academic Career
Scott Shapiro received his Bachelor’s degree from University of Pennsylvania and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School. After completing his law degree, Shapiro clerked for Judge Stephen Williams on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He then worked as an associate at the law firm WilmerHale before entering academia. Shapiro joined the faculty at Yale Law School in 2008 and has since become a respected voice in the field of legal theory.
Research Interests and Contributions
Shapiro’s research explores the fundamental nature of law and its relationship to social and political institutions. His work challenges traditional views of law as a set of rules and norms, instead arguing that law is a complex system of planning and coordination that enables social cooperation and collective action. Shapiro has also written about the role of judicial review in a democratic society, arguing that courts play a crucial role in ensuring that the law is consistent with democratic values and principles.
One of Shapiro's most significant contributions to the field of legal theory is his development of the "planning theory" of law. This theory posits that law is a system of planning that enables individuals and groups to coordinate their actions and achieve common goals. Shapiro has applied this theory to a range of topics, including contract law, property law, and constitutional law.
| Publications | Year |
|---|---|
| Legality | 2011 |
| The Oxford Handbook of Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law | 2002 |
Teaching and Mentoring
In addition to his research, Shapiro is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught a range of courses at Yale Law School, including Contracts, Constitutional Law, and Jurisprudence. Shapiro is known for his engaging and challenging teaching style, which encourages students to think critically about the nature of law and its role in society. He has also supervised numerous student research projects and has served as a mentor to many students pursuing careers in academia and practice.
Awards and Honors
Shapiro has received several awards and honors for his teaching and research. He was awarded the Yale Law School’s Harvey L. Karp Memorial Teaching Award in 2015, which recognizes excellence in teaching and mentoring. Shapiro has also been a Fulbright Scholar and has received research grants from the National Science Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies.
Shapiro's work has been widely praised by scholars and practitioners alike. His book "Legality" was awarded the 2012 IVR Book Prize by the International Association for Philosophy of Law and Social Philosophy. Shapiro has also been invited to give lectures and presentations at universities and conferences around the world, including the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and the Annual Meeting of the American Philosophical Association.
What is Scott Shapiro’s area of expertise?
+Scott Shapiro is an expert in the fields of jurisprudence, legal theory, and constitutional law. His research focuses on the nature of law, the role of courts in a democratic society, and the relationship between law and morality.
What is Shapiro’s planning theory of law?
+Shapiro’s planning theory of law posits that law is a system of planning that enables individuals and groups to coordinate their actions and achieve common goals. This theory challenges traditional views of law as a set of rules and norms, instead arguing that law is a complex system of planning and coordination that enables social cooperation and collective action.
