Intellectual Life

The distinguished faculty, dynamic scholarly centers, and vibrant student-run journals at the UConn School of Law enrich the intellectual life of the campus and advance understanding of law through their cutting-edge research, outstanding publications, and stellar events.

Scholarly Events

UConn Law holds many scholarly events throughout the year. Journals host annual symposia, bringing experts to campus to discuss cutting edge topics of the day. A series called “In Conversation” focuses on recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court and other important legal issues. Additionally, other events throughout the year bring legal experts to campus to share their insights into a variety of topics.

Mercy, Justice and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is increasingly entering the legal system, raising questions about what makes human judgment unique.

Many fear that automation could erode the “human essence” of legal decision‑making. But what exactly is that essence, and is it worth preserving given our own tendencies toward bias and error? Drawing on longstanding theological and philosophical debates about mercy and justice, this talk considered how humans and machines should share responsibility in law.

Justice concerns what people deserve, while mercy is by definition undeserved and cannot be fully explained by legal rules. Because of this, even if machines can help produce more consistent or just outcomes, the merciful dimension of judgment will be far harder to automate.

This lecture on February 11 commemorated the investiture of Kiel Brennan-Marquez as the Wallace Stevens Professor of Law.

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Faculty Workshops

The UConn School of Law faculty workshop series is an important focal point for intellectual life on campus. Scholars from around the world present papers, typically works in progress, and faculty members have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments.

FACULTY WORKSHOP SCHEDULES