School Notes: Yale Law School
September/October 2023

Law, sociology professor to chair section of ASA

Professor of law and associate professor of sociology Monica C. Bell ’09JD was elected chair-elect (and 2024–25 chair) of the American Sociological Association (ASA)’s Sociology of Law section. As a volunteer member of the ASA’s elected governing body, Bell will serve a three-year term beginning in 2023. In addition, she was also elected as a member of the 2023–24 nominating committee for the ASA. Working at the intersection of both areas of study, Bell uses sociological theory and research to explore legal questions regarding race and class inequality, specifically as they apply to policing, violence, safety and security, welfare and public benefits, housing, and residential segregation. 

Professor represents Ukraine at the International Court of Justice

Sterling Professor of International Law Harold Hongju Koh was among the legal team representing Ukraine at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague in June asking the court to declare Russia in violation of two international treaties. Koh, a former US State Department legal adviser and assistant secretary of state for human rights, presented two opening speeches and the closing argument in three argument sessions over nearly two weeks. The ICJ is the United Nations’ venue for resolving disputes between nations. It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and is seated at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). A final decision in this case, which largely addresses Russian abuses from 2014 to 2022, is expected by early 2024.

Expert on statutory interpretation appointed to named professorship

Professor William N. Eskridge Jr. ’78JD, a national expert on statutory interpretation and sexuality, gender, and the law whose work has transformed both fields, has been appointed the Alexander M. Bickel Professor of Public Law.