Alex Klein

Alex Klein is an Assistant Professor of Law at Washington and Lee University School of Law, focusing on capital punishment, criminal law, and constitutional issues around execution practices. He teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure: Adjudication, and Death Penalty courses.

• Education: J.D. from W&L Law (2016), B.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University
• Previous Faculty: Visiting Assistant Professor at W&L Law, Assistant Professor at St. Mary’s University School of Law

His research explores the legal, ethical, and societal dimensions of capital punishment, particularly the Eighth Amendment's Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause. He examines execution methods, bodily autonomy, and the psychological impact on executioners and legal stakeholders.

Recent publications include analyses of Supreme Court cases like Baze v. Rees, Glossip v. Gross, and Bucklew v. Precythe, which address constitutional standards for execution protocols. His work critiques the Court's approach to pain assessment in capital punishment.

• Scientific Awards: Al Kauffman Faculty Excellence and Support Award from St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Before academia, Klein served in the Peace Corps (2008–2010) and worked in youth education/juvenile detention programs. He clerked at the Maryland Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. His family includes his husband, son, and two dogs in Lexington, Virginia.