Catharine A. MacKinnon is a pioneering lawyer, professor, and activist in sex equality and feminist legal theory. She holds the Elizabeth A. Long Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School and has been the James Barr Ames Visiting Professor of Law at Harvard Law School since 2009. Her work spans legal scholarship, advocacy, and international human rights. Education: B.A., Smith College (1969) J.D., Yale Law School (1977) Ph.D., Yale University (1987) Research Interests: MacKinnon’s work focuses on substantive equality , gender-based violence , sexual harassment as sex discrimination , and the intersection of human rights law with international criminal law . She also explores prostitution law , particularly the Nordic/Equality Model , and the philosophical foundations of legal theory. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2005) Lifetime contributions to gender equality and international law, including a landmark $745 million verdict in a genocide-related sexual violence case Advising and Legal Impact: MacKinnon has no formal advisees listed, but her legal scholarship has shaped global jurisprudence. She co-counsel in cases redefining rape in genocide as a human rights violation and has influenced international frameworks through organizations like the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) and ERA Coalition . Her work bridges constitutional law, gender theory, and social justice activism.





