Kenneth W. Simons

Kenneth W. Simons is the Chancellor’s Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, and holds a courtesy appointment as Professor of Philosophy. He is Co-director of the Center for Legal Philosophy. His expertise spans Torts, criminal law, and moral/political philosophy. Previously, he was a Professor of Law and Frank R. Kenison Distinguished Scholar at Boston University School of Law, and a clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Judge James L. Oakes of the Second Circuit.

• Education:
  • B.A. in Philosophy, Yale University, summa cum laude
  • J.D., University of Michigan Law School, magna cum laude

His research focuses on tort and criminal law theory, including consent, mental states in law, negligence, bias crimes, and egalitarian norms. Notable works include his role as Chief Reporter for the American Law Institute’s Restatement Third of Torts: Intentional Torts to Persons and his 2019 William L. Prosser Award for contributions to tort law.

Recent articles explore themes like medical malpractice causation, the 'reasonable person' in tort law, and the structure of hate crime laws. His work bridges legal theory with empirical studies, such as examining jury decisions on mens rea and neuroscientific insights into punitive behavior.

• Awards:
  • 2019 William L. Prosser Award (AALS)

Simons advises on legal reforms and engages with policy debates, such as liability risks in arming school staff. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including neuroscience researchers, to explore legal decision-making mechanisms.

He directs the Center for Legal Philosophy, fostering scholarship on law’s philosophical foundations. Simons has authored over 30 influential articles and presented globally on legal theory and reform.