معرفی
David N. Cassuto is a Professor of Law at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University, where he also serves as Faculty Director of SJD Programs and Director of the Brazil-American Institute for Law and Environment (BAILE). He has been a faculty member since 2003 and is widely recognized for his interdisciplinary work bridging law, literature, and environmental ethics.
- Professor of Law, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University
- Faculty Director, SJD Programs
- Director, Brazil-American Institute for Law and Environment (BAILE)
- Class of 1946 Distinguished Visiting Professor of Environmental Law, Williams College
- Visiting Professor, Universidad Cientifica, Peru; Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
His educational background includes a JD from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and a PhD in English from Indiana University, reflecting his unique interdisciplinary expertise. He also holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MA from Indiana University.
- JD, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
- PhD, Indiana University (English)
- MA, Indiana University
- BA, Wesleyan University
Professor Cassuto's research focuses on animal law, environmental law, water law, constitutional law, and legal theory. His work critically examines the ethical, legal, and cultural frameworks governing human interactions with animals and the environment. He explores themes such as animal suffering, transboundary water governance, factory farming, and the intersection of law and literature.
His most recent publications demonstrate a consistent trend toward integrating animal welfare with environmental and climate concerns. Articles like Suffering Matters and You Don’t Need Lungs to Suffer highlight the moral imperative to recognize animal suffering in legal frameworks, especially under climate change. His comparative studies on U.S. and Brazilian environmental and animal laws reveal systemic gaps and advocate for stronger regulatory mechanisms. The recurring themes include legal standing for animals, environmental justice, and the role of narrative in shaping legal discourse.
- Fulbright Fellow
- NEH Fellow
- Jefferson Award for Service to the Community
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Institute for the Abolition of Animals
- Michael A. Calandra, Jr. ’05 Faculty Scholar Seeds Award
- Fellow, Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
- Academy Scholar – Pace Academy for Applied Environmental Studies
Professor Cassuto has advised numerous students and contributed to academic leadership through directing advanced law programs and international collaborations. He has received grants from the U.S. State Department and other institutions to promote legal education and environmental advocacy abroad. His work with BAILE fosters academic exchange between the U.S. and Brazil, particularly in environmental law and policy.
He is affiliated with research initiatives such as the Pace Academy for Applied Environmental Studies and leads the Brazil-American Institute for Law and Environment (BAILE), a transnational collaboration with FGV Direito Rio. These efforts support interdisciplinary scholarship, policy development, and student engagement in global environmental challenges.
