Thom Brooks

Thom Brooks is Professor of Law and Government at Durham University's Law School and will become Principal of Collingwood College, Durham from September 2024. He serves as an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies and holds associate memberships in both the Philosophy Department and School of Government & International Affairs. Previously, he was Durham Law School's longest-serving Dean (2016-2021) and has held visiting positions at numerous prestigious institutions including Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Columbia, and Chicago Law Schools.

• Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Sheffield
• M.A. in Philosophy, University College Dublin
• M.A. in Political Science, Arizona State University
• B.A. Music and Political Science (dual major), William Paterson University of New Jersey

Professor Brooks' research spans multiple interconnected fields at the intersection of law, philosophy, and public policy. His work on immigration law and policy has significantly influenced UK policy debates, particularly regarding citizenship tests and integration strategies. In penal theory, he has developed a unified theory of punishment that integrates retributive and consequentialist elements, which has been cited in landmark legal cases including the Connecticut Supreme Court decision abolishing capital punishment. His scholarship on Hegelian political philosophy offers a systematic reading of Hegel's Philosophy of Right that has reshaped contemporary understanding of Hegel's contributions to legal and political thought. His work in global justice has pioneered a cross-cultural approach that bridges theoretical rigor with practical policy applications.

Brooks' recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on practical applications of philosophical principles to contemporary policy challenges, particularly in immigration, citizenship, and criminal justice. His work bridges theoretical rigor with policy relevance, often directly informing parliamentary inquiries and government policy development. A notable trend is his increasing focus on AI applications in immigration law and policy, reflecting his commitment to addressing emerging challenges through interdisciplinary scholarship that connects academic research with real-world policy implementation.

• Fellow, Royal Statistical Society (2024)
• Jenny Jeger Prize, Fabian Society (2022)
• Principal Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2022)
• Elected Member, Academia Europaea (2021)
• Dean's Award, Durham Law School (2022)
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award, Durham University (2016)

Professor Brooks has supervised 9 PhD and 3 MJur students to completion, including Gianluca Andresani, Hayley Whitaker, Jianxuan Hu, and Professor Oliver Crisp. His mentorship extends beyond formal supervision through his leadership roles, including as founding editor of the Journal of Moral Philosophy and service on 20 editorial boards. His policy impact is substantial, with his research on UK immigration policy directly influencing parliamentary committees and government policy development. Brooks currently serves as Chair of the American Philosophical Association's Committee on Public Philosophy and is an Academic Bencher of Inner Temple, demonstrating his commitment to connecting academic scholarship with practical legal and policy applications through extensive media engagement (over 2,000 appearances since 2013) and advisory roles with governmental bodies.