Ekow N. Yankah

Ekow N. Yankah is the Thomas M. Cooley Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan (AB), Columbia University (JD), and Oxford University (BCL). His work spans political and criminal theory, focusing on political obligation and punishment justifications, while also contributing to voting rights and election law.

• Education
  • University of Michigan (AB)
  • Columbia University (JD)
  • Oxford University (BCL)

Professor Yankah's research bridges philosophy and law, emphasizing:

• Foundational questions in political and criminal theory
• Public policy implications of legal frameworks
• Practical applications in election law and voting rights

His work has been translated into Italian and Spanish, and he has held visiting positions at the University of Toronto Law School and the Israeli Institute of Advanced Studies. He serves on boards including the Innocence Project and chairs New York’s Public Campaign Finance Board.

Scientific Awards & Recognitions:

• Guardian of Democracy Award (2020, NYDLC)
• Advocate for Justice (Innocence Project, 2017)
• Cardozo Inspiration Award
• Cardozo Alumni of the Year Award (first non-Cardozo recipient)

Professor Yankah also engages in public discourse through media commentary (NBC, CNN, BBC, NPR, etc.) and writings in outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.