Paul J. Litton

Paul J. Litton is a Professor and Dean of the University of Missouri School of Law, where he has served since 2006. He holds a JD and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, earned through its Joint Program in Law and Philosophy, and received the Lynn Lukens Moore Prize in Jurisprudence.

• BA, University of Pennsylvania ('94)
• JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School ('99)
• PhD, University of Pennsylvania ('03)

His research focuses on moral philosophy, criminal law theory, and bioethics, particularly the intersection of moral and criminal responsibility. Recent work examines psychopathy, traumatic brain injury, and implications of neuroscience for legal standards. He co-chaired Missouri’s Death Penalty Assessment Team (2010–12), advocating for evidence-based legal reforms.

Analysis of Paul Litton’s publications reveals interdisciplinary trends combining criminal law, neuroscience, bioethics, and constitutional theory. Key themes include responsibility thresholds, mental capacity, and the moral-legal divide in medical contexts.

• Shook Hardy & Bacon Award for Excellence in Research (twice)
• Gold Chalk Award, University of Missouri Graduate Professional Council
• Husch Blackwell Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching

Litton teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and Bioethics & Law. While no specific lab or team is mentioned, his work bridges legal scholarship with empirical psychology and neuroscience.