Epstein to make third lecture appearance at WU

Richard Epstein, a law professor at New York University, is returning to Waynesburg University on Jan. 22, at 7 pm to give a lecture titled, “Natural Law, the Growth of Government and the Administrative State, and the future of American Constitutionalism.” The lecture is open to the public and is free for everyone to attend.

The lecture is based on an article he published titled, “The Natural Law Origins of Private and Public Law,” according to the Waynesburg University press release on the lecture. In this article, he described how both private and public law have their origins in the principles of natural law as described in Roman principles and in cases such as Swift v. Tyson and Erie Railroad v. Tompkins. The article can be found in the New York University Journal of Law & Liberty.

Epstein has been teaching law for more than 50 years, mixed between his time at New York University, as well as the University of Chicago, where he is the James Parker Hall Distinguished Service Professor of Law Emeritus. He holds law degrees from Yale University and Oxford University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University.

Dr. Lawrence M. Stratton, director of the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership, as well as a professor of ethics and constitutional law at Waynesburg University, emphasized the significance of the speech, stating, “We’ll see someone who is truly an engaged, internationally renowned thinker in general and legal scholar in particular, who’s had an enormous deal of influence on the American legal system. Hopefully, his presence will inspire students here to aim to be outstanding intellectual leaders like him.”

The upcoming lecture will be Epstein’s third visit to Waynesburg University. Stratton has expressed his hope for continued collaboration with Epstein and looks forward to him making more visits in the future.

Stratton met Epstein at a series of conferences, eventually being formally introduced by one of Epstein’s research assistants. After, Epstein gave his first lecture at Waynesburg in March of 2020 titled, “Constitutional Moments: Good or Bad?”

Stratton said, “He told me that he actually loves meeting and seeing Waynesburg students and that you all give him hope because you think independently and creatively.”

Alex Canestraro, Stover Scholar and junior political science major, said, “I think that it will be very good for us to hear him share some of his insightful comments. I remember the last time he spoke at the University, and it was very prolific. I’m very excited for his return to Waynesburg University.”

The lecture is being held in Alumni Hall, the third floor of Miller Hall. Those planning to attend are encouraged to dress professionally.