Jonathan Turley

Jonathan Turley is the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University Law School, where he has been a faculty member since 1990. He became the youngest chaired professor in the school's history in 1998. Turley also serves as Director of the Environmental Law Advocacy Center and Executive Director of the Project for Older Prisoners (POPS), demonstrating his commitment to practical legal advocacy alongside scholarly work.

Education:

• BA, University of Chicago
• JD, Northwestern University

Professor Turley is a nationally recognized legal scholar whose research spans constitutional law, legal theory, tort law, and criminal justice reform. His work consistently addresses the intersection of constitutional principles with contemporary political challenges, particularly regarding free speech, presidential powers, and military justice. His three-part study on the historical and constitutional evolution of the military system exemplifies his approach of tracing legal doctrines through historical context to inform current debates. Turley's scholarship is distinguished by its accessibility to both legal professionals and the general public, often connecting theoretical frameworks to real-world implications for civil liberties and justice system reform.

With more than three dozen academic articles published in leading law journals including those of Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, and Northwestern Universities, Turley's work has established him as the second most cited law professor in the country. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on constitutional crises, free speech controversies, and the evolving balance of power between government branches, with increasing attention to how social media and polarization impact legal discourse and constitutional interpretation.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Recipient of the "2005 Single Issue Advocate of the Year" award from the Aspen Institute and The Week magazine
• Ranked 38th in the top 100 most cited 'public intellectuals' in a study by Judge Richard Posner
• Identified as the second most cited law professor in the country
• Member of the USA Today board of contributors

Professor Turley has served as counsel in numerous high-profile cases including representation of Area 51 workers, nuclear couriers at Oak Ridge, the Rocky Flats grand jury, and Dr. Eric Foretich in the Elizabeth Morgan custody controversy. He also represented four former U.S. Attorney Generals during the Clinton impeachment litigation and has handled various national security and terrorism cases, earning recognition as one of the top 10 lawyers handling military cases. As a frequent witness before Congress on constitutional issues and tort reform legislation, Turley has significantly influenced policy discussions. His dual role as CBS and NBC legal analyst during national controversies has extended his impact to public understanding of complex legal matters.

Through the Project for Older Prisoners (POPS), which he founded and directs, Turley leads initiatives focused on the legal rights and humane treatment of elderly incarcerated individuals. His Environmental Law Advocacy Center serves as a hub for students and practitioners working on environmental justice issues, providing practical legal experience while advancing policy reforms related to environmental protection and regulatory frameworks.