(Program to be published in The Journal of Tort Law)
Richard Epstein is among the most prominent and influential torts scholars of our times. Perhaps unparalleled in its breadth, his scholarly corpus displays a remarkable command of doctrinal, historical, institutional and philosophical analysis. A fiercely independent thinker, Professor Epstein has challenged conventional wisdom as to the centrality of fault to modern accident law, the desirability of flexible liability standards over rigid rules, the soundness of New York Times v. Sullivan, and the lack of meaningful constitutional limits on tort reform legislation. The Executive Committee of the Section is delighted to have assembled for the 2010 Annual AALS Meeting a panel of world-renowned tort scholars consisting of Professor Coleman (Yale), Professor Getzler (Oxford), Professor Horwitz (Michigan), and Professor Zipursky (Fordham). The panel will critically examine various dimensions of Professor Epstein’s work, and its potential significance for future tort law and scholarship, including his treatment of defamation and privacy law, his reliance on Roman and common law doctrines and concepts, and his blending of libertarian and utilitarian theory. After Professor Epstein has an opportunity to respond, a question-and-answer session will follow.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.