A panel of commentators will discuss the book “Dignity and Judicial Authority,” by Professor Rachel Bayefsky.
In the book, Bayefsky offers a theory of dignity that emphasizes respect for status, nondomination and control over self-presentation to others. The book explains how U.S. courts can recognize the loss of dignity as a legally actionable harm and provide remedies for this harm. In applying these ideas, the book explores a host of corresponding legal topics, including constitutional standing doctrine, the “dignitary torts” and court-mandated apologies.
Bayefsky writes about constitutional law, federal courts, civil procedure and legal theory. Her work addresses both the practical workings of legal institutions and underlying philosophical ideas such as dignity and equality. One of her areas of focus is the way legal institutions approach forms of harm less tangible than physical or economic damage, especially the harms of stigma and disrespect. Bayefsky clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Courts and Commerce will sell copies of the book at the event.
https://www.law.virginia.edu/event/dignity-and-judicial-authority-book-panel
