Barbara Currie

David P. Currie was an American legal scholar and distinguished professor at the University of Chicago Law School. Born in Macon, Georgia, he pursued higher education at the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School, where he was an editor for the Harvard Law Review. After completing his legal studies, he clerked for prominent judges, including Justice Felix Frankfurter, before joining the faculty at the University of Chicago in 1962.

Currie's academic contributions primarily focused on constitutional law and federal jurisprudence. He authored several significant books detailing the history of the U.S. Constitution's interpretation by both Congress and the Supreme Court, spanning different historical periods. He also co-authored casebooks on federal courts and conflict of laws. Beyond his scholarly writings, Currie played a role in environmental law, drafting the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and serving as the first chair of the Illinois Pollution Control Board. His work on the Constitution was recognized, with a portion of him reading the document featured in a podcast.

David P. Currie established himself as a prominent legal scholar, holding the Edward H. Levi Distinguished Professor of Law position at the University of Chicago Law School. His academic output was largely dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, meticulously tracing its evolution and application through American governmental institutions. He authored extensive historical accounts of the Constitution's presence and interpretation within both the legislative and judicial branches. His notable works in this area include detailed analyses of the Constitution's journey through the Supreme Court over two centuries and a multi-volume series examining its role in Congress across various historical eras, from the Federalist period through the mid-19th century.

Beyond his extensive work on the Constitution, David P. Currie made significant contributions to the study of federal courts and conflict of laws, authoring widely used casebooks in these fields. His engagement with legal frameworks extended to practical policy-making, notably in environmental law. Currie was instrumental in drafting the 1970 Illinois Environmental Protection Act, a landmark piece of legislation. He also served as the inaugural chair of the Illinois Pollution Control Board, demonstrating a commitment to shaping and implementing environmental regulations. His academic and policy work established him as an influential figure in American legal scholarship and governance.