About
Ryan D. Doerfler is a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, specializing in the judiciary's role in democratic governance. His research critiques judicial review's liberal legal tradition and explores tensions between statutory interpretation and democratic principles. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Wake Forest University (2004), a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Harvard University (2011), and a J.D. from Harvard Law School (2013). Prior to Harvard, he taught at the University of Chicago and University of Pennsylvania. His work bridges constitutional law, administrative law, and legal theory, with a focus on separation of powers, legislative authority, and the role of courts in modern democracy.
Doerfler's recent publications challenge entrenched legal doctrines, such as Chevron deference, and advocate for democratizing statutory law. His 2023 article How Clear Is 'Clear'? redefines frameworks for evaluating statutory clarity in judicial decision-making. He frequently contributes to public discourse on legal issues through outlets like the New York Times and Atlantic.
Teaching courses include Law and Philosophy Workshop and Legislation and Regulation, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to legal scholarship. His research and advocacy aim to align legal institutions with democratic accountability.
