A Community of Scholars Deliberating Democracy and Enhancing Governance

Sawyer Law and Politics Program

Keith J. Bybee, Director
Michael O. Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics

SLAPP is an interdisciplinary program devoted to crossing the boundaries within and between political science, law, and related fields of inquiry.  SLAPP pursues its mission at two levels.  At the level of pedagogy, SLAPP creates novel teaching environments that foster interdisciplinary learning.  At the level of research, SLAPP  sponsors lectures, conferences, and colloquia that encourage scholars to collaborate across disciplinary divides.

SLAPP Activities

Research Workshop
A venue for the discussion of work-in-progress. In addition to presentations by Maxwell School faculty and graduate students, the workshop features presentations by faculty from around the country. Workshop meetings are held throughout the academic year.

The Secret Life of the Law
An annual speaker series examining law and legal issues from unconventional and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Conferences and Lectures
SLAPP in conjunction with the Campbell Institute sponsors conferences on selected legal topics throughout the academic year.

Faculty Colloquia
A venue for SLAPP Faculty Fellows to present and discuss their scholarly research on law and law-related topics. Colloquia meet throughout the academic year.