MSU Law Professor Elected to the American Law Institute

Michigan State University College of Law Professor Barbara O’Brien joins the new member class of the American Law Institute (ALI). Professor O’Brien’s scholarship focuses on applying empirical methodology to legal issues, such as identifying predictors of false convictions and understanding prosecutorial decision-making.

Aside from teaching classes in criminal law and procedure, she is also the Editor of the National Registry of Exonerations. The National Registry “collects, analyzes and disseminates information about all known exonerations of innocent criminal defendants in the United States, from 1989 to the present.”

Elected members of ALI reflect the excellence and diversity of today’s legal profession. Those elected have demonstrated excellence in the law, are of high character, will contribute to the work of the Institute, and are committed to its mission.

"I'm incredibly humbled and grateful for my election to the American Law Institute,” said Professor O’Brien. “It's a tremendous honor that reflects the collective effort and support of so many people who have guided and encouraged me throughout my legal career. I look forward to contributing to the important work of the ALI in advancing its mission of clarifying the law and improving the administration of justice."

Professor O’Brien received high praise and accolades from College of Law leadership including Dean Linda Greene who responded to the news of the election with, “Fantastic. Well deserved." Professor O’Brien received her Bachelor’s in Economics from Bowdoin College She earned her J.D. from the University of Colorado, and her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan.