Dan Kobil

Dan Kobil is a Professor at Capital University Law School, teaching constitutional law, criminal procedure, and comparative constitutional law since joining the faculty in 1987. His scholarship focuses on the constitutional dimensions of executive clemency and First Amendment jurisprudence.

His educational background includes:

• J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, University of Toledo College of Law
• Bradshaw Fellow, University of Virginia (Graduate Program in English)
• B.A, summa cum laude, University of Toledo

Professor Kobil specializes in constitutional law with deep expertise in executive clemency within capital punishment systems and First Amendment law. His research examines the pardon power's constitutional foundations, its role as a safeguard against irreversible judicial errors, and ethical obligations in clemency decisions. He also analyzes free speech doctrines in digital contexts, applying standards like Brandenburg to internet communications. His work is frequently cited by courts including the U.S. Supreme Court and featured in national media.

Analysis of his 2000-2007 publications reveals consistent focus on clemency in death penalty cases, addressing systemic flaws and advocating mercy as a constitutional imperative. A secondary thread explores First Amendment challenges in digital spaces, demonstrating his dual commitment to foundational constitutional principles and their modern applications.