Teaching & Learning
Jonathan Abel
Associate Professor of Law
Motivated by structural injustices caused by informational asymmetries between defense and prosecution.
Courses you teach
Criminal Law; Criminal Procedure.
Classroom tactics for engaging your students
Connect the doctrine to issues in the news and introduce students to the human “backstory” that gets left out of court opinions. Use surprise guests and lots of humor during lectures.
Greatest source of satisfaction related to your students
Hearing from former students and mentees about their career successes.
Best advice to students coping with the stresses of law school
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, even if you can’t quite put into words what’s worrying you. Remember that professors, administrators, and staff all want you to succeed. Don’t forget to talk to your fellow students—they’re a great resource, now and in the decades to come.
Scholarly focal areas
Structural injustices caused by informational asymmetries between defense and prosecution.
Issues that spark your passion
Wrongful convictions; racism in the justice system.