Scott Howe

Scott Howe is a Professor at Chapman University, holding appointments at the Fowler School of Law and Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. He has been a faculty member since 1996, teaching Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure/Police Practice, and Evidence. Voted Professor of the Year multiple times, Professor Howe is a leading expert in Capital Punishment Law, Death Penalty, and Constitutional Criminal Procedure.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Missouri (Phi Beta Kappa)
• Juris Doctor, University of Michigan (Articles Editor, Michigan Law Review)

His scholarly work focuses on racial justice in sentencing, constitutional challenges to capital punishment, and legal ethics in public defending. Articles appear in top journals like the Washington Law Review and Northwestern University Law Review. He co-authored influential books including Understanding Capital Punishment Law and California Criminal Law: Cases and Problems.

Notable Contributions

• Extensive research on historical and systemic racism in capital sentencing (e.g., Atoning for Dred Scott and Plessy).
• Legal advocacy for death-row inmates, including representing Kerry Max Cook.
• Critique of plea bargaining and excessive bail in the justice system.

His career spans criminal defense, academia, and policy reform, with roles as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean at Chapman University.