Akhil Reed Amar

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science


Akhil Reed Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law in both Yale College and Yale Law School. His work has won awards from both the American Bar Association and the Federalist Society, and he has been cited by Supreme Court justices across the spectrum in more than four dozen cases.

FULL BIOGRAPHY
Akhil Amar

Contact Information



Faculty Assistant


Monika Piotrowicz

Education & Curriculum Vitae


J.D., Yale Law School, 1984

B.A., Yale University, 1980

Courses Taught


  • Constitutional Law
  • Reading the Constitution: Substance and Method

Akhil Reed Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law in both Yale College and Yale Law School. After graduating from Yale College, summa cum laude, in 1980 and from Yale Law School in 1984, and clerking for Judge (later Justice) Stephen Breyer, Amar joined the Yale faculty in 1985 at the age of 26. He is Yale’s only living professor to have won the University’s unofficial triple crown — the Sterling Chair for scholarship, the DeVane Medal for teaching, and the Lamar Award for alumni service.

Amar’s work has won awards from both the American Bar Association and the Federalist Society, and he has been cited by Supreme Court justices across the spectrum in more than four dozen cases — tops among non-emeritus scholars. He regularly testifies before Congress at the invitation of both parties; and in surveys of judicial citations and/or scholarly citations, he typically ranks among America’s five most-cited mid-career legal scholars. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has written widely for popular publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and The Atlantic. He was an informal consultant to the popular TV show The West Wing and his scholarship has been showcased on many broadcasts, including The Colbert Report, Tucker Carlson Tonight, Morning Joe, AC360, 11th Hour with Brian Williams, Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream, Fareed Zakaria GPS, Erin Burnett Outfront, and Constitution USA with Peter Sagal.

He is the author of more than a hundred law review articles and several books, most notably The Bill of Rights (1998 — winner of the Yale University Press Governors’ Award), America’s Constitution (2005 — winner of the ABA’s Silver Gavel Award), America’s Unwritten Constitution (2012 — named one of the year’s 100 best nonfiction books by The Washington Post), and The Constitution Today (2016 — named one of the year’s top ten nonfiction books by Time magazine). His latest and most ambitious book, The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840, came out in May 2021. He has recently launched a weekly podcast, Amarica’s Constitution. A wide assortment of his articles and op-eds and video links to many of his public lectures and free online courses may be found at akhilamar.com

Friday, July 14, 2023


Declaring Independence from Thomas Jefferson — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023


Debating the Validity of the Electoral College

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 discusses the Electoral College.

Friday, January 6, 2023


I Looked Behind the Curtain of American History, and This Is What I Found

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 has contributed a chapter on the Constitution, cited in this column, in a book about myths of American history.

Thursday, November 3, 2022


A Controversial Election Theory at the Supreme Court Is Tied to a Disputed Document

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 tells why a disputed version of a plan presented at the 1787 Constitutional Convention does not help answer the core questions raised in a Supreme Court case on redistricting.

Thursday, July 7, 2022


Opinion: The Dangerous Election Theory the Supreme Court May Be Poised to Endorse

Scholarship by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 and Vikram Amar ’88 is cited in regards to the “Independent State Legislature” theory which is set to be tested in the upcoming Supreme Court case Moore v. Harper.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022


Why Republicans Want to Redefine One Word in the Constitution

Scholarship by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 and Vikram Amar ’88 is cited in regards to the “Independent State Legislature Claim.”

Saturday, July 2, 2022


Did the Supreme Court Open the Door to Reviving One of Its Worst Decisions?

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is quoted about originalism on the Supreme Court.

Thursday, June 30, 2022


Why Liberal Justices Need to Start Thinking Like Conservatives — A Commentary by Akhil Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Thursday, June 2, 2022


After It Overturns Roe vs. Wade, What’ll the Supreme Court Do for an Encore?

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is quoted in a commentary about the potential effect on long-standing legal precedents should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.

Saturday, May 14, 2022


The End of Roe v. Wade — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Monday, May 2, 2022


Supreme Court Says Boston Unconstitutionally Barred Christian Flag From City Hall

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 provides legal analysis of the Supreme Court’s ruling that the city of Boston must let a Christian group fly its flag over city hall.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021


A Year in Books: Faculty Elevated New Ideas on a Range of Critical Issues

Yale Law School’s renowned faculty published an extraordinary collection of books and scholarship in 2021. Here’s a look back at the year in books published by YLS faculty and lecturers in law.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021


The Constitutional Conversation

The book, The Words That Made Us, by Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is reviewed by Simon Lazarus ’67.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021


A Conversation On the Constitution with Leading Legal Scholar Akhil Reed Amar

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar discusses the Constitution.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021


Context and Consequences: On Akhil Reed Amar’s “The Words That Made Us”

The new book by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar is reviewed.

Wednesday, July 28, 2021


Would Trump leave Florida to make DeSantis his running mate? He might have to.

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar is quoted about former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and the 2024 presidential election.

Sunday, July 4, 2021


We, the Men? On the Founding Fathers’ Exclusion of Their Wives, Sisters, Daughters and Mothers — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Thursday, June 24, 2021


‘The Words That Made Us’ Review: Constitutionally Speaking

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar’s book The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation 1760-1840 is reviewed.

Thursday, May 20, 2021


The Words That Made Us: America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760–1840

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar’s latest book is reviewed in the New York Journal of Books.

Tuesday, May 18, 2021


Traveling (at Last)? Take Along the 10 Best Books of May.

The Christian Science Monitor named Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar’s new book one of its top 10 titles of the month.

Monday, May 17, 2021


“The Words That Made Us”: Scholar Akhil Reed Amar On How To Better Understand The Constitution

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 was interviewed on WBUR about his book, The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.

Friday, May 14, 2021


How a Decades-Long Conversation Shaped the Young United States

The Washington Post reviews The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840 by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84.

Thursday, May 6, 2021


No Evidence “3/5 Compromise” Aimed to End Slavery

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article in The Associated Press about the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021


The Constitution Is More Than a Document — It’s a Conversation

The Words That Made Us: America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840 by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 was reviewed in The New York Times.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021


Professor Amar on Our Constitutional Conversation

In his new history of the Constitution, Professor Akhil Reed Amar ’84 combines historical and legal perspective to pinpoint the value of constitutional conversation in the development of the document itself.

Thursday, April 29, 2021


Akhil Amar’s 1789 Project

A review of The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840 by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 appears in Law & Liberty.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021


Stuck At 435 Representatives? Why The U.S. House Hasn't Grown With Census Counts

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 was interviewed by National Public Radio for a story about the history of the census and the Electoral College.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021


Trump's 2nd Impeachment Trial: A Preview With Yale Law's Akhil Reed Amar

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 was interviewed on WYPR’s “Midday” about former president Trump’s second impeachment trial.

Monday, February 8, 2021


The expert witnesses the Senate needs — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84 and Andy Lipka

Akhil Reed Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. Andy Lipka is an eye surgeon. Together they host the podcast Amarica’s Constitution.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021


Professor Amar Launches Podcast on Constitutional Issues

A new podcast created by Professor Akhil Reed Amar ’84 offers weekly discussions delving into pressing and relevant constitutional issues of the current moment.

Sunday, January 24, 2021


Chronicling Trump's 10 worst abuses of power

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in a CNN analysis of Donald Trump’s worst abuses of power.

Monday, January 18, 2021


Can The Senate Try An Ex-President?

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 spoke to National Public Radio about whether the Senate can try an ex-president.

Tuesday, January 12, 2021


How Trump’s term should end: An elegant solution to all involved — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Friday, January 8, 2021


America can impeach Trump, even after Jan. 20

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in a New York Daily News article about whether President Trump can be impeached after leaving office.

Sunday, December 13, 2020


Joe Biden Won the Most Votes. It Doesn’t Matter.

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in a New York Times commentary titled “Why Getting the Most Votes Matters.”

Wednesday, November 4, 2020


Trump’s options to request a recount, and other legal challenges brewing in pivotal states

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in a Boston Globe article about the Trump campaign’s various legal challenges to election results. 

Monday, November 2, 2020


Election tampering in plain sight: What two federal judges just did in Minnesota — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020


The Supreme Court Should Not Muck Around in State Election Laws — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84 et al.

Akhil Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. Vikram Amar ’88 is Dean of the University of Illinois College of Law. Neal Katyal ’95 is Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown Law.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020


The Roberts Court Is Nothing Like America — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Monday, June 15, 2020


Five myths about federal courts

The scholarship of Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is mentioned in a Washington Post article about the federal courts.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020


If Trump and Pence both get very sick, it’s not clear who would be president

Scholarship by Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 and Vikram Amar ’88 is cited in a Washington Post commentary about who would take power should the president and vice president fall ill with the coronavirus.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020


The Legal Academy, Episode 1: Akhil Amar

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was the guest on The Legal Academy, a new podcast from The Volokh Conspiracy.

Monday, November 4, 2019


Rosenkranz Originalism Conference Features Justice Thomas ’74

The inaugural Rosenkranz Originalism Conference was held at the Law School on October 25, 2019, featuring a keynote address by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas ’74.

Sunday, April 7, 2019


Multi-year Rosenkranz Originalism Conference Initiative Announced

Yale Law School announces the launch of a major new intellectual initiative, “The Rosenkranz Originalism Conference at Yale Law School.”

Saturday, April 6, 2019


Actually, the Electoral College Was a Pro-Slavery Ploy — A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is a Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019


Be skeptical of law-school and other college rankings. Very skeptical—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019


The court’s opinion was right on this case. But the concurrence was even righter.

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is mentioned in George Will’s column in the Washington Post. Will writes that Justice Gorsuch cited Professor Amar’s book The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction in a concurrence last week.

Friday, November 9, 2018


Does the Constitution Require Birthright Citizenship?

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 took part in a National Constitution Center podcast where he discussed birthright citizenship.

Monday, November 5, 2018


COMMENTARY: President Trump’s Latest Idea: A Cruel and Unconstitutional Attack on American Birthrights

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in a commentary by the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. about birthright citizenship.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018


What the Constitution Really Says About Birthright Citizenship—A Commentary by Akhil Amar ’84 and Steven Calabresi ’83

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School. Steven G. Calabresi ’83 is a Visiting Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018


Border Troops, Asylum Seekers, Birthright Citizenship: Immigration And The Midterms

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest on WBUR’s On Point, where he discussed whether President Trump could end birthright citizenship.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018


Kavanaugh Supporter Now Has Second Thoughts

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is interviewed about Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Thursday, August 23, 2018


As Maine goes, so may go the nation on Kavanaugh confirmation—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Monday, July 9, 2018


A Liberal’s Case for Brett Kavanaugh—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Monday, July 2, 2018


What Justice Kennedy's Legacy Could Mean for the Future of the Supreme Court—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar '84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018


Justice Kennedy reminds Trump he is not above the law—A Commentary by Vikram David Amar ’88 and Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School and Vikram Amar ’88 is the dean and the Iwan Foundation Professor of Law at the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana-Champaign.

Thursday, April 12, 2018


The constitutional question: Can Congress stop Trump from firing Mueller?

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in a story about whether Congress can stop President Trump from firing Robert Mueller.

Monday, January 29, 2018


Editorial: The right way to protect Robert Mueller

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar '84 is quoted in an editorial about Robert Mueller. 

Friday, December 1, 2017


President Trump is constitutionally right on the CFPB even if we oppose him otherwise—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84 and Steven G. Calabresi ’83

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science and Steven G. Calabresi ’83 is a Visiting Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Sunday, October 8, 2017


The Meaning of the Second Amendment

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 was interviewed about the roots of the Second Amendment.

Thursday, September 28, 2017


Professor Amar Testifies Before Senate on Special Counsel Legislation

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84, a leading Constitutional Law expert, testified before the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 about two new bills that attempt to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller from being fired by the President.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017


Senate Stumbles in Bid to Check Trump’s Firing Arm

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about bills introduced by the Senate about Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017


Yes, Trump Could Be Impeached for Pro-Nazi Talk

Sterling Professors of Law Akhil Amar ’84 and Bruce Ackerman ’67 are quoted in an article about whether President Trump committed an impeachable offense by espousing un-American beliefs.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017


Can Trump fire Mueller? Yup, and in more ways than one.

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about the potential for President Trump to fire Robert Mueller, the special counsel overseeing the FBI’s Russia investigation.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017


Can a Sitting President Be Indicted?

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about whether a sitting president can be indicted on criminal charges.

Monday, May 22, 2017


What you need to know about the 5th Amendment and how it applies to Flynn

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn’s decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights after the Senate Intelligence Committee subpoenaed his personal documents.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017


Comey Firing Could Wake a Constitutional Wolf

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about congressional efforts to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate links between Russia and the Trump campaign.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017


Amar, Hill, and Holloway Honored for Service to Alumni

Faculty members Akhil Amar, Charles Hill, and Jonathan Holloway were presented Howard R. Lamar Faculty Awards for Service to Alumni on April 28 at a luncheon hosted by the Association of Yale Alumni (AYA).

Saturday, April 8, 2017


The Senate's filibuster follies: Despite the hue and cry, the 'nuclear option' is nothing to fear—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017


Can senators reject Gorsuch for purely political reasons? And other confirmation questions, answered—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Sunday, March 19, 2017


What Gorsuch Has in Common With Liberals—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Monday, February 27, 2017


Law Not Clear Cut On “Sanctuary” Edict

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 and Deputy Dean for Experiential Education and William O. Douglas Clinical Professor of Law Michael Wishnie are quoted in an article about whether the federal government can withhold funds from sanctuary cities.

Monday, February 20, 2017


Q&A: Yale law professor on the Constitution, Trump administration

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 was interviewed about the Constitution and the Trump administration.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017


Law professors weigh in on the Supreme Court nominee and confirmation process

Yale Law School professor E. Donald Elliott doesn’t share the same judicial philosophy as Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, but he believes that President Trump’s selection is “as good as it possibly gets” — as far as conservative judges go.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017


The Great Divide: Will the Neil Gorsuch pick exacerbate or help heal America’s deep divisions?—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale Law School.

Thursday, January 26, 2017


Professor Akhil Amar To Receive Outstanding Scholar Award

Akhil Reed Amar, the Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, will receive the Outstanding Scholar Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation.

Thursday, December 22, 2016


Podcast: Akhil Reed Amar on the Bill of Rights

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 gave a talk about the history and importance of the Bill of Rights.

Monday, December 5, 2016


Republican success opens door to amending US Constitution

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about potential amendments to the Constitution.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016


Justice Under Trump: A Look at What the Future Holds for America's Top Court

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 was a guest to talk about the future of the Supreme Court.

Friday, November 11, 2016


5th time candidate won most votes, lost

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article on the number of candidates throughout US history who have won the popular vote but lost the electoral college.

Friday, November 4, 2016


Impeach Hillary Clinton? A boon for Democrats—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law in both Yale College and Yale Law School.

Monday, October 31, 2016


Comey Is a Constitutional Lightweight, and Donald Trump Remains the Only Scandal Worth Talking About—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law in both Yale College and Yale Law School.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016


Alito, Thomas to Headline Federalist Society Annual Convention

The annual Federalist Society Convention happening next month will feature Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 and John A. Garver Professor of Jurisprudence William Eskridge ’78, as well as numerous alums including Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas ’74 and Samuel Alito ’75.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016


The Constitution Today

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest where he discussed the relevance of America’s Constitution to contemporary headlines.

Friday, September 9, 2016


Professor Amar To Release New Book, The Constitution Today

In the midst of a heated presidential election and during one of the few times in modern history in which all four major federal institutions of power are in play electorally, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 has a new book examining how the Constitution is an essential tool to confronting the pressing issues of this moment.

Thursday, August 25, 2016


Akhil Reed Amar: How Hillary Clinton Is Like Alexander Hamilton

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is interviewed prior to the release of his latest book, The Constitution Today.

Monday, August 15, 2016


Fact-Checking Donald Trump's Foreign Policy Speech

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 and Simeon E. Baldwin Professor Emeritus of Law Peter Schuck are quoted in a story that fact-checks Donald Trump’s recent speech on foreign policy.

Saturday, June 25, 2016


Who judges the judges—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

 

Friday, June 24, 2016


Why doesn’t the split court tell us their votes?—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Saturday, March 26, 2016


Gurvey’s Law

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Reed Amar ’84 was a guest panelist where the topics discussed included campaign finance reform and the Citizens United SCOTUS decision.

Monday, March 21, 2016


Stern Rebuke for Senators

Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article by Visiting Lecturer in Law Adam Liptak ’88 about remarks made by Supreme Court Justice John G. Roberts regarding the confirmation process.

Friday, March 18, 2016


Democrats should demand hearings but not a vote.—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016


One strategy to improve Garland's chances—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016


Can Obama be Reagan? Can the Senate be reasonable?—A Commentary by Akhil Amar ’84 and Vikram Amar ’88

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University and Vikram Amar ’88 is dean and Iwan Foundation Professor of Law at the University of Illinois College of Law.

Sunday, February 14, 2016


Who's on Obama's Supreme Court short list?

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest on a panel discussing possible nominees to fill the vacancy left by the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016


Cruz citizenship case should be tried in court of public opinion—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is a Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Thursday, January 14, 2016


Why Ted Cruz is eligible to be president—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is a Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School.

Monday, January 11, 2016


Debate Over The Second Amendment To The U.S. Constitution

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest to discuss the Second Amendment. 

Tuesday, December 8, 2015


Could US Legally Bar Muslims From Country?

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an article about Donald Trump’s plan to ban Muslims from entering America.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015


Author Bob Woodward to Give Book Talk

Bob Woodward, recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes, will be in conversation with Professor Akhil Reed Amar ’84 on October 19, 2015, at 4:30 pm in Room 127.

Sunday, October 4, 2015


The Supreme Court's cases to watch—A Commentary by Akhil Amar ’84 and Vikram Amar ’88

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law at both Yale College and Yale Law School and Vikram Amar ’88 is dean and Iwan Foundation Professor of Law at the University of Illinois College of Law.

Monday, September 28, 2015


Doug Kendall, Visionary Progressive Lawyer, Dies at 51

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is quoted in an obituary for Doug Kendall, founder of the Constitutional Accountability Center.

Friday, September 18, 2015


Center launches interactive effort on the Constitution

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 is mentioned in an article about the launch of an interactive, online Constitution made available by the National Constitution Center.

Monday, August 24, 2015


End Birthright Citizenship? Yale Constitutional Law Prof: Only Way To End It Is Amend The Constitution. And Good Luck With That!

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest and discussed the history of birthright citizenship.

Friday, July 10, 2015


What the Same-Sex Marriage Opinion Should Have Said (and Almost Did)

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law at both Yale College and Yale Law School.

Friday, July 3, 2015


Maura Moynihan Says India Is Her Favorite Country

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was honored by the Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin.

Monday, June 29, 2015


America Has Been Moving Leftward Since Its Founding—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law at both Yale College and Yale Law School.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015


Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Akhil Reed Amar to be honored by GOPIO-CT

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 will be honored by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut chapter. Senator Richard Blumenthal ’73 is also mentioned.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015


President Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Akhil Amar to National Council on the Humanities

On May 20, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Professor Akhil Amar ’84 to be a member of the National Council on the Humanities. 

Sunday, May 24, 2015


Yale scholar offers insights on Obama and constitutional change

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was interviewed about ideas contained in his new book “The Law of the Land.”

Friday, May 22, 2015


Akhil Reed Amar looks at how geography influence our views on the Constitution

Stephen Wermiel reviewed Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar’s ’84 book The Law of the Land.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015


President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

President Obama has nominated Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 for membership in the National Council on the Humanities.

Thursday, May 7, 2015


The Constitution and the States

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest on the radio program, where he discussed how geography and history affect interpretation of the law.

Monday, May 4, 2015


Video: Akhil Amar on America’s Constitutional Landscape

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 appeared at the National Constitution Center, where he discussed how geography has shaped American constitutional law.

Monday, April 20, 2015


The Tea Party will never understand the Constitution: What the right misses about its favorite document

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 took part in a Q & A about his new book The Law of the Land: A Grand Tour of our Constitutional Republic.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015


Akhil Amar ’84 Authors Book of Essays on the Constitution and the States

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Reed Amar ’84 has written a book of essays, The Law of the Land (Basic Books, April 14, 2015), on the difference states make on American jurisprudence.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015


We all live in the Land of Lincoln—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law at both Yale College and Yale Law School.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015


'The Law Of The Land' Author Akhil Reed Amar LIVE

Sterling Professor of Law Akhil Amar ’84 was a guest, where he discussed his book The Law of the Land.

Monday, March 30, 2015


Give the crew the key—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law at both Yale College and Yale Law School. 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015


Justices Put Great Weight on Existing Property Interests—A Commentary by Akhil Reed Amar ’84

Akhil Reed Amar ’84 is Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law at both Yale College and Yale Law School.  

Wednesday, January 22, 2014


YLS Professor Akhil Amar ’84 to Teach Open Online Course

Four of Yale’s most distinguished scholars are inaugurating the University’s new free online course program. Among them is Akhil Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science, whose online course on “Constitutional Law” begins on January 27. 

Thursday, December 20, 2012


New Releases by Professors Amar and Witt Named to Best Books of 2012 Lists

Professor John Witt’s book, Lincoln’s Code, and Professor Akhil Amar’s book, America’s Unwritten Constitution, have been named notable books of 2012 by two top newspapers.

Thursday, September 6, 2012


America’s Unwritten Constitution by Professor Akhil Reed Amar ’84

In his new book, America’s Unwritten Constitution, Professor Akhil Reed Amar ’84 guides readers through the landmark cases, implicit principles, common practices, and more that make up our country’s unwritten Constitution.

Thursday, June 28, 2012


Reaction: Supreme Court Rules on Health Care Law

Yale Law School faculty members and lecturers comment on the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the health care law.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011


Professors Amar ’84 and Levinson To Debate: Does the Text of the Constitution Matter?

Yale Law Professor Akhil Reed Amar ’84 and Visiting Professor Sanford V. Levinson will debate “Orthodoxy or Orthopraxy: Does the Text of the Constitution Matter?” as part of the “Debating Law & Religion” series on Dec. 6.

Thursday, November 6, 2008


Akhil Amar '84 Appointed Sterling Professor of Law

Akhil Reed Amar, newly designated as Sterling Professor of Law, is a scholar of constitutional law, the Bill of Rights and criminal procedure.