معرفی
Derek A. Webb is an Assistant Professor of Law at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, where he teaches Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, and a seminar on the "Creation of the Constitution." He joined the faculty in fall 2024 after serving as a Senior Research Scholar at Yale Law School and Dean's Visiting Scholar at Georgetown University Law Center. Professor Webb was selected by his students as the "Most Outstanding Professor for 1L Students" in spring 2025 and is highly regarded for his teaching excellence and scholarly contributions.
Professor Webb received his educational credentials from prestigious institutions: a B.A. in philosophy from Yale University, a Ph.D. in political theory from the University of Notre Dame (where he received the Graduate Student Union Teaching Assistant of the Year Award), and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center (where he earned six CALI Awards for best papers or exams and won the award for Best Brief for Respondent at William and Mary Law School's Spong Moot Court Tournament).
Webb's research focuses on constitutional interpretation, legal history, and American political thought. His work explores the historical foundations of constitutional principles, with particular attention to civility in constitutional discourse and judicial restraint. He examines how historical context shapes contemporary constitutional understanding, drawing connections between early American political thought and modern legal challenges. His scholarship bridges legal doctrine with historical analysis, offering fresh perspectives on longstanding constitutional questions. Notably, his work on "The Original Meaning of Civility" was cited five times by Justice Gorsuch in his book "Over Ruled," demonstrating the significant impact of his research on contemporary constitutional interpretation.
Professor Webb's publications reveal a consistent focus on constitutional history and interpretation, with increasing attention to the role of civility in constitutional discourse. His recent work shows a trend toward examining foundational documents and practices that shaped constitutional understanding, including George Washington's transmittal letter presenting the U.S. Constitution to Congress. His scholarship spans legal theory, historical analysis, and practical implications for contemporary constitutional interpretation, with particular emphasis on how historical practice informs modern judicial reasoning.
- Warren Burger Prize (2012)
- Sandra Day O'Connor Award for Professional Service (2023)
- Graduate Student Union Teaching Assistant of the Year Award
- CALI Awards for best papers or exams in six different subjects
- Award for Best Brief for Respondent at William and Mary Law School
Professor Webb actively mentors students and has been recognized for his teaching excellence. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Supreme Court Historical Society (elected in 2025) and is the 2025-26 Chair of the ALI's Program Committee. His current research is supported by a 2025-2026 Fellowship at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, where he is researching materials for his forthcoming book with Cambridge University Press. He is also helping to create a symposium in March 2026 on Lincoln at Ford's Theatre to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Professor Webb is engaged with several academic and professional organizations, including the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia (where he is a Senior Research Scholar helping update the online "Interactive Constitution"), the Abraham Lincoln Institute (where he serves on the Board of Directors), and the Edward Coke Appellate Inn of Court. He is also a Fellow of Davenport College at Yale University and maintains active participation in various civic, professional, and academic societies that advance constitutional understanding and legal scholarship.
