Wolfgang WieshaiderView profile
Associate Professor
Dr. Wolfgang Wieshaider serves as Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Institute for Legal Philosophy at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Law. He is also the Academic Director of the LL.M. program in Religious Law and holds a position as permanent visiting professor at Charles University in Prague. His scholarly work bridges legal theory with practical applications in religious freedom, cultural heritage, and minority rights. Professor Wieshaider's research spans multiple intersecting domains with particular emphasis on religious law in Central and Eastern Europe, monument protection law, and the legal status of religious minorities. His scholarly output demonstrates deep engagement with the tension between religious practices and state regulation, especially regarding ritual slaughter, religious architecture, and religious minorities' rights. A significant portion of his work focuses on Jewish and Muslim communities in Austria and Central Europe, examining their legal status, rights, and challenges within national and European frameworks. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of religious practice and state law, with growing attention to contemporary challenges like religious freedom during the pandemic, Islamic law in European contexts, and the legal recognition of philosophical organizations. His work demonstrates methodological diversity, combining doctrinal legal analysis with comparative approaches and historical perspectives. Professor Wieshaider has made substantial contributions through editorial work, serving as co-editor of the book series Law and Religion in Central and Eastern Europe and Intarsia · Interpretations of Culture and Law , as well as co-editing the Austrian Archives for Law & Religion . His academic leadership extends to directing the LL.M. program in Religious Law, which appears to be a significant educational initiative at the University of Vienna. His scholarly activities include advising graduate students, though specific names are not mentioned in the available materials. Professor Wieshaider maintains active international collaborations, particularly with scholars in Central and Eastern Europe, as evidenced by his numerous co-edited volumes and multilingual publications. The Institute for Legal Philosophy, where Professor Wieshaider works, appears to maintain a strong focus on religious law and cultural heritage, with several team members sharing similar research interests. His office is located in Room 4OG039 at Schenkenstraße 8-10 in Vienna, and he holds consultation hours on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 pm during academic terms.










