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Prof. Robinson appointed to National Academy of Sciences Committee on Law and Justice

February 11, 2019

Paul H. Robinson, Colin S. Diver Professor of Law
Paul H. Robinson, Colin S. Diver Professor of Law
The mission of the National Academy’s CLAJ is to “improve governmental decision making and public policy, and promote the understanding and dissemination of research in matters involving law and justice.”

Paul H. Robinson, the Colin S. Diver Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, has been appointed to the National Academy of Sciences, Committee on Law and Justice (CLAJ). Robinson is one of the world’s leading criminal law scholars. He has published 17 books, scholarly articles in essentially every major law review, and lectured in more than 100 cities in 27 countries.

 “As a young scholar, you just put your head down and do your work. It is always a pleasant surprise to meet people especially in other parts of the globe who know your work. As a more senior scholar, it is an equally pleasant surprise to find that your work has had some significant impact on people you have never met,” Robinson said. “I could not be more thrilled about the National Academy appointment.”

The mission of the National Academy’s CLAJ is to “improve governmental decision making and public policy, and promote the understanding and dissemination of research in matters involving law and justice.” To that end, the committee conducts research and produces expert reports on pressing issues related to law and justice, and also holds workshops, seminars, symposia, and other events on topics of interest.  As part of the committee, Robinson will join a group of distinguished scholars and experts in law, public policy, sociology, and related fields.

Robinson’s most recent book, published in 2018 in both print and audio editions, Crimes that Changed our World: Tragedy, Outrage, and Reform, co-authored with Sarah Robinson, is written for a general audience. Robinson’s recent and upcoming overseas lectures include the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Iran, and Spain. He is currently at work on a project arguing for the recognition of a general mitigation provision that empowers juries to mitigate the punishment of any offender judged less blameworthy because of the circumstances of the offense or the situation or capacities of the offender.