Richard Epstein, the James Parker Hall Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Law and Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School, has been awarded the 2011 Bradley Prize for outstanding achievement.
Known for his influential work on a wide range of constitutional, economic and historical subjects, Epstein is one of four individuals to receive the Bradley Prize this year. The recipients are chosen for doing work that embodies the mission of the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, a private, independent grant-making organization which supports, according to its website, “limited, competent government; a dynamic marketplace for economic, intellectual, and cultural activity; and a vigorous defense, at home and abroad, of American ideas and institutions.”
“Richard Epstein’s contributions to his students’ understanding of so many areas of the law are immeasurable,” said Michael W. Grebe, president and chief executive officer of the Bradley Foundation, in announcing Epstein’s selection. “His research, teaching and writing have brought clarity to the law and have helped to advance freedom.”
Law School Dean Michael Schill said Epstein’s work has influenced him as well as “countless generations of lawyers.”
“Richard Epstein is one of the most extraordinary legal scholars of this generation — or any other,” added Schill. “One needn’t agree with Richard’s views; indeed, his work makes those who disagree work harder to marshal arguments and evidence. There is no one more passionate about law and ideas than Richard Epstein.”
He will be presented the award during a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 11. Each award comes with a $250,000 stipend.
“I am thrilled to receive this prize from the Bradley Foundation and to join the list of distinguished recipients of the award,” said Epstein. “It is especially gratifying to me because I have had a long and harmonious working relationship with Bradley during the years I have been on the Chicago faculty, which I hope to continue going forward.”
Past UChicago winners of the honor include Leon Kass, the Addie Clark Harding Professor in the Committee on Social Thought; Gary Becker, University Professor of Economics and Sociology; and the four founders of The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, including David McIntosh, JD’83, and Lee Liberman Otis, JD’83.
—Prof. Jacqueline Stewart
