Frances Rudko

Frances Rudko is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Law. She has taught since 1992, covering courses such as Constitutional Law, Legal History, Trusts & Estates, and International Law. Her roles include faculty sponsor for the International Law Students Association and Jessup International Moot Court Teams.

• Education: JD, PhD, MA (University of Arkansas), BA (Southern Methodist University)

Rudko’s research focuses on constitutional interpretation, with emphasis on judicial review, federal-state dynamics, and civil liberties. Her work explores the evolution of legal doctrines like the Cy Pres Doctrine and structural federalism, often intersecting with human rights and international legal frameworks.

Recent publications highlight trends in constitutional history, including analyses of Chief Justice John Marshall’s jurisprudence and modern applications of reparations theory in legal contexts. Her scholarship bridges legal history with contemporary debates on privacy rights and affirmative action.