Katharine Young

Katharine Young is a Professor of Law at Boston College Law School, where she has been actively contributing to legal scholarship and public discourse. Her academic career spans comparative constitutional law, economic and social rights, and international human rights law.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Melbourne University
• Master of Laws and Doctor of Juridical Science from Harvard Law School

Research Focus: Professor Young's scholarship centers on comparative constitutional law with emphasis on economic and social rights. Her work explores constitutional theory and positive state obligations, examining how governments can be held accountable for fulfilling rights related to healthcare, education, and social welfare. She investigates the intersection of public law and gender, analyzing how constitutional frameworks address or perpetuate gender inequalities. Her research on international human rights law examines transnational legal mechanisms for protecting vulnerable populations. Young's work on queuing theory in public health systems has gained particular attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she analyzed ethical implications of vaccine distribution.

Professor Young's recent publications demonstrate consistent engagement with pressing societal issues, particularly the ethical dimensions of public health policy. Her work on vaccine distribution ethics has contributed significantly to understanding how fairness principles operate in crisis situations, examining the relationship between queue systems and public trust in government institutions.

Professional Experience:

• Clerk for Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG of the High Court of Australia
• Contributing expert on legal and ethical aspects of public health policy

Professor Young maintains an active presence in academic and public discourse, contributing to platforms like The Conversation since June 2020. Her research bridges theoretical legal scholarship with practical policy applications, particularly in the realm of human rights and public health governance.