Paul H. Robinson

Paul H. Robinson is the Colin S. Diver Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. He is a globally renowned criminal law scholar, prolific author, and former federal prosecutor. His work focuses on criminal law theory, legislative reform, and justice system effectiveness. Robinson has authored over 150 articles and 20 books, including seminal works like Intuitions of Justice and the Utility of Desert and Structure and Function in Criminal Law. He has led criminal code reform projects in the U.S. and internationally, including Islamic penal code initiatives under the U.N. Development Programme. His research emphasizes aligning legal principles with public conceptions of justice to enhance the system’s moral credibility.

Robinson’s expertise spans criminal law defenses, punishment theory, and the intersection of law with behavioral science. He has advised legislative bodies and lectured worldwide. Notable contributions include critiques of 'mass incarceration' myths, proposals for decarceration strategies, and analyses of partisan influences on criminal law. His recent works address failures in crime detection and the ethical dimensions of criminal justice reform.

Scientific achievements include membership in the American Law Institute and leadership in the Criminal Law Conversations project. His op-eds and media engagements highlight societal impacts of legal policies, such as racial disparities in victimization and the consequences of progressive reforms.