Harold J. Berman, 1918-2007

[What follows is a message from Dean David Partlett of Emory Law School.]

November 13, 2007
Dear Colleagues:

        It is with much sadness that I write to inform the Emory Law community of Professor Harold Berman’s passing.  Professor Berman, honored and respected for his scholarship and passion for the law, passed away in New York City today, Tues., Nov. 13.  He was 89.

        Professor Berman recently celebrated his 60th anniversary of teaching law, a profession he referred to as his “calling.”  He was the first Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Law at Emory University, and has served the school for more than 20 years as a teacher, scholar, mentor, and colleague.  He also was James Barr Ames Professor of Law Emeritus at Harvard Law School, where he taught from 1948-1985.

        A humble giant in his field, Hal’s contributions to Emory and to legal scholarship were impressive and far-reaching.  He had a special interest in world law and was considered one of the founders of the study of law and religion.  At Emory, he was co-director of the World Law Institute, a Fellow of The Carter Center, and an integral part of the development of Emory’s Law and Religion Program, now the Center for the Study of Law and Religion (CSLR).

        The work of Professor Berman was celebrated during the CSLR’s Oct. 24-26 silver anniversary conference, and an interview of him shown during that event is available in video and text on the Emory Law and CSLR websites: http://www.law.emory.edu/index.php?id=4577

        Hal’s passing is a great loss to the Emory community, the legal profession, and the world.  He will be deeply missed.

        A public celebration and memorial of Professor Berman’s life and work will be held at Emory University early in the spring semester.   

Sincerely,

David Partlett