Laura I Appleman

Laura I Appleman is the Van Winkle Melton Professor of Law and University Research Integrity Officer at Willamette University's College of Law since 2006. She teaches Criminal Procedure I&II, Family Law, Race & the Law, and Sentencing Law & Policy, integrating her research into classroom discussions.

• Education: Yale Law School
• Past roles: Manhattan criminal public appellate defender

Her research focuses on criminal justice reform, private correctional services, and eugenics in the criminal system. She explores how corporate interests influence incarceration and challenges historical narratives about Progressive-era legal reforms.

Recent scholarship analyzes the role of 'Big Capital' (private equity, corporations, insurers) in privatized prison services and uncovers the lingering impact of eugenics on modern criminal law. Her work has been published in Hastings Law Journal (2024) and is forthcoming in Maryland Law Review (2025).

Scientific Awards:

• Election to the American Law Institute (2024)

Appleman collaborates with public defenders and policy-makers while continuing to serve on the Yale Law Alumni Steering Committee. Her work emphasizes transparency in corrections and critical historical analysis of legal inequities.