Kevin Walton

Associate Professor Kevin Walton is a legal theorist at the Sydney Law School, University of Sydney. He joined in 2003 and specializes in jurisprudence, focusing on the morality of obeying law, political obligation, and legal philosophy. His work bridges moral philosophy and legal theory, addressing questions of state legitimacy and human rights.

Education:

• LLB (Hons) from University of Edinburgh
• MA from University of London
• PhD from University of Edinburgh

Research Interests:

Walton’s research examines foundational questions in legal and political philosophy, including:

• Conditions for legitimate political authority
• Ethical dimensions of legal compliance
• Human rights as moral constructs
• Historiography of legal thought (e.g., Lon L. Fuller)

Key Projects:

• Edited Legitimacy: The State and Beyond (OUP, 2019)
• Authored Julius Stone: A Study in Influence (2010)
• Recipient of Sydney Intellectual History Network grant (2013)

Media Engagement:

Commented on legal compliance ethics in The Sydney Morning Herald (2017), discussing justifications for civil disobedience.