Identity in America

American identities play a significant role in shaping and applying the law. There isn't a single definitive perspective for analyzing how identity intersects with the legal system. Individual identity encompasses a wide array of aspects, including, but not restricted to, discussions regarding race, religion, sexuality, gender identity, nationality, age, disability status, political or ideological affiliation, and economic class. Identity is a deeply personal topic, and writers have the opportunity to elucidate its impact.

Our Fall Symposium will delve into legal issues influenced by identity. We encourage writers to explore issues beyond the conventional scope of identity-based discrimination in the legal realm. Rather, the symposium will feature presentations on various topics, such as how identity illuminates the current legal framework, how it either reinforces or impedes the application of the law, its effects on the legal profession, and its role in shaping legal interpretation. However, writers are again not limited to these subjects; they are encouraged to examine how identity influences law across the entire spectrum of the legal field.

Submissions will be due the day of our in-person symposium, November 25th. Notes should be around 2000 words, but no longer than 4000. Submissions need not be written exclusively for the symposium; they can be papers written for course credit if they relate to the theme in a significant way.