Erwin Chemerinsky, Alston & Bird Professor of Law and Political Science, was selected by a faculty committee as Duke’s 2006 University Scholar/Teacher of the Year. Renowned as a scholar of constitutional law and the federal courts, appellate advocate, author, Chemerinsky is praised as a passionate and accessible teacher both by law students and undergraduates at Duke. He was presented with the award at the University’s Founder Day celebration on Sept. 28. The award is sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.

Chemerinsky, who came to Duke in 2004 from the University of Southern California, teaches courses in constitutional law, federal courts, and federal practice of civil rights and civil liberties. He also teaches constitutional law to undergraduates in the Department of Political Science. His scholarly expertise is supplemented by an extraordinary depth of practical experience; throughout his academic career, Chemerinsky has been active as a public interest lawyer and appellate advocate, taking several cases to the United States Supreme Court.

A prolific writer, Chemerinsky has authored four highly praised books: Federal Jurisdiction, now in its fourth edition; Constitutional Law: Principles and Policies; Constitutional Law, a casebook; and Interpreting the Constitution, as well as over 100 law review articles. He also contributes frequently to newspapers and magazines, writing regular columns on the Supreme Court for California Lawyer, Los Angeles Daily Journal, and Trial Magazine, and is sought out as a commentator on legal issues for national and local media.

Rachel Wald, a senior majoring in political science, said Chemerinsky’s constitutional law class has been her favorite at Duke, and marvels at his ability to facilitate discussion in a class of 150 students. Law students are also lavish with their praise for Chemerinsky in and out of the classroom.

“It is rare that you meet a professor and individual with as good a heart as Professor Chemerinsky,” said Chris Richardson ’07, who worked with Chemerinsky on an appellate case. “From the classroom to the courtroom, he respects and treats everybody with grace and humility. He stands as an example to me, and to everybody at Duke, of what an attorney should be in their practice and how we should treat others in general.”

The University Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award was established in 1981 by the Division of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church to recognize outstanding faculty members for their dedication and contributions to the learning arts and to their institutions. Selection criteria include a demonstration of exceptional teaching, recognized concern for students and colleagues, a record of significant contributions to the scholarly life of the University, and commitment to high standards of professional and personal life.