Professor Dr. Catharine Mackinnon

Biography

Catharine MacKinnon is the Elizabeth Long Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan Law School, focusing on issues of sex equality in both international and domestic law. A pioneering figure in the legal claim of sexual harassment, she has significantly influenced legal thought surrounding pornography as a civil rights violation and contributed to the development of the Swedish model for abolishing prostitution. MacKinnon's work has been recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada and has addressed the experiences of Bosnian women during the genocide, leading to landmark legal victories. She has taught at prestigious institutions including Yale, Stanford, and Harvard, and received fellowships from esteemed organizations globally. An accomplished author, her publications span several influential titles in feminist legal theory and have garnered attention across various languages and legal cultures. Additionally, she has served as a consultant internationally and on several legal committees, advocating for women's rights and gender equality. In recognition of her contributions, MacKinnon has received numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of American Law Schools and the Woman Vision Award from the National Organization for Women.

Research Interests