Jamie Mayerfeld

Jamie Mayerfeld is a Professor of Political Science and Adjunct Professor in Law, Societies, and Justice at the University of Washington, affiliated with the Center for Human Rights and the Program on Ethics. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University (1992) and a B.A. from Oberlin College (1985). His research focuses on political theory, human rights, constitutional law, and democratic theory. He is renowned for works like The Promise of Human Rights (2016) and Suffering and Moral Responsibility (1999). His scholarship explores topics such as international human rights law, torture policy, and the ethics of constitutional governance.

His teaching includes courses on political theory, human rights law, constitutional democracy, and global justice. Awards include the Laurance S. Rockefeller Visiting Fellowship (2006–07) and multiple research grants. Mayerfeld has been actively involved in public discourse on issues like Guantanamo Bay detention policies and climate change’s implications for human rights. His service roles include leadership in professional associations like the Western Political Science Association and extensive committee work at the University of Washington.