معرفی
Craig Johnston is Professor of Law at Lewis & Clark College Law School, where he has taught since fall 1991. His expertise focuses on environmental law enforcement, hazardous waste regulation, and Supreme Court environmental jurisprudence. He serves as adviser to the Environmental Law Moot Court Team and maintains active engagement with legal practice through scholarly commentary.
His academic credentials include a BA from the University of Rochester (1978) and a JD magna cum laude from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College (1985).
- BA, University of Rochester (1978)
- JD magna cum laude, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College (1985)
Johnston's research examines the intersection of statutory frameworks and judicial interpretation in environmental regulation. His scholarship critically analyzes CERCLA liability mechanisms, Clean Water Act enforcement challenges, and the practical implications of Supreme Court decisions for environmental practitioners. He emphasizes the tension between regulatory objectives and constitutional constraints, particularly regarding property rights and federalism. His work consistently bridges theoretical legal principles with real-world enforcement scenarios.
His publication history reveals evolving focus from foundational hazardous waste regulation in the 1990s toward contemporary Supreme Court impacts on environmental enforcement. Key thematic threads include liability allocation under CERCLA, water quality standard implementation, and the role of judicial review in shaping administrative environmental policy. The longitudinal perspective demonstrates adaptation to changing regulatory landscapes while maintaining core focus on enforcement efficacy.
Notable recognitions include
- EPA Bronze Medal for Commendable Service (1987) for significant enforcement contributions
- Bernard F. O’Rourke Award for excellence in natural resources law (1985)
As academic mentor, Johnston guides the Environmental Law Moot Court Team, developing student advocacy skills through competition preparation. His professional background informs practical teaching approaches, drawing from EPA enforcement experience and private practice founding the environmental section at Perkins Coie. This practitioner-scholar duality enriches his supervision of student legal analysis and argumentation.
Outside academia, he organizes the cross-country relay initiative RunAmerica.org, reflecting personal commitment to endurance athletics and community engagement through long-distance running events.
