No such thing as presidential ‘removal power’ in early America, paper finds
A new paper from Andrea Katz, associate professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis and expert on constitutional law and presidential power, disputes a long-standing claim that America’s founders agreed the president holds an unrestricted power to fire executive officials.
Mid-decade redistricting may be new norm
The Missouri Legislature has passed a plan to redraw the state’s congressional maps, potentially handing a Democrat-leaning seat to Republicans and giving Republicans a 7-1 district advantage. Partisan mid-decade redistricting, once very rare, could become the new normal, says an expert on voting rights at Washington University in St. Louis.
Sadat named to eyeWitness to Atrocities board
Leila Sadat, the James Carr Professor of International Criminal Law at WashU, has been appointed to the board of eyeWitness to Atrocities, founded by the International Bar Association.
William H. Webster, emeritus trustee, 101
William H. Webster, an honorary emeritus trustee at Washington University in St. Louis, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Warrenton, Va. He was 101.
The heaviness of water
As the western U.S. faces decreasing water supplies, WashU alumni are helping negotiate how this precious resource will be managed and shared in years to come.
Richards serves as privacy ombudsman in 23andMe bankruptcy case
WashU privacy law expert Neil Richards had a unique opportunity this year to put his training to use: He was named an ombudsman to guide the courts on how genetic data owned by 23andMe should be handled during its sale.
Full circle
Some 43 years after being unable to attend his Commencement, the Hon. Judge Edward Washington II finally gets his graduation ceremony — and another chapter added to his WashU story.
School of Law honors 2025 distinguished alumni
The School of Law has recognized six alumni with 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. These annual awards honor alumni who have obtained distinction in their careers while exemplifying characteristics of leadership, commitment, courage and confidence.
Federal court order a victory for rule of law
WashU election law expert Travis Crum said a preliminary injunction blocking two major provisions of a controversial executive order by the Trump administration targeting federal voter registration procedures is a victory for the rule of law.
Class Acts: Jason Shefferman
Jason Shefferman is passionate about wellness and creating a better working environment in the legal profession. Shefferman is a degree candidate from the School of Law and student speaker for the law school’s recognition ceremony.
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