A Pioneer In Legal Education

James Kent Appointed First Professor of Law at Columbia 220 Years Ago

A Pioneer in Legal Education

James Kent, an influential jurist, was appointed the first Professor of Law at Columbia Law School in 1793. Kent's appointment marked a significant milestone in the development of legal education in the United States.

A Legacy of Legal Scholarship

Kent was a prolific legal scholar whose work had a profound impact on the development of American law. His "Commentaries on American Law" was a seminal work that provided a comprehensive overview of the legal system at the time. Kent's writings shaped legal thinking and influenced generations of lawyers.

Recognizing Academic Excellence

In recognition of Kent's contributions to legal scholarship, Columbia Law School established the James Kent Medal in 1923. The medal is awarded to students who have achieved high honors status, demonstrating exceptional academic performance.