Raff Donelson

Raff Donelson is a Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). His interdisciplinary research bridges law and philosophy, focusing on ethics, legal theory, constitutional protections for incarcerated persons, and criminal law. He teaches courses in criminal law, constitutional law, and legal theory. Donelson previously held appointments at Penn State Dickinson Law and Louisiana State University.

Education: Ph.D. and J.D. from Northwestern University, M.A. in Humanities from the University of Chicago, and B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science from Williams College.

Research interests include the foundations of ethics, legal philosophy, and the intersection of law and philosophy. His work challenges traditional legal frameworks, such as in his article Natural Punishment, which explores retributive justice, and The Inherent Problem with Mass Incarceration, addressing systemic legal flaws.

Donelson has been featured in media outlets discussing police reform, constitutional law, and voting rights. He serves as an editor at the Journal of Legal Philosophy.