Dr. Jean Galbraith

Biography

Jean Galbraith is a professor at Penn Carey Law specializing in public international law and the intersection of U.S. law with foreign affairs. Her research centers on how legal institutional design influences international cooperation and global justice. A significant aspect of her work examines the United States' involvement in treaties and international commitments, advocating for structural and doctrinal reforms to enhance U.S. engagement on the global stage. Galbraith’s scholarship indicates that over time, U.S. presidents have increasingly asserted constitutional powers in diplomacy, often at the expense of Congress, reflecting expansive legal reasoning. She also investigates how international institutions can effectively promote equality and justice through empirical research, focusing on behavioral design elements that enhance treaty cooperation. One notable paper addresses the functionality of U.N. Security Council resolutions and proposes optimized termination clauses to reduce operational gridlock. In addition to her academic pursuits, Galbraith has clerked for notable judges, including Justice John Paul Stevens of the U.S. Supreme Court and has practiced law in Philadelphia. She earned her J.D. from Berkeley Law and a B.A. from Harvard University, graduating summa cum laude. Galbraith has received several accolades, including the Harvey Levin Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence at Penn Carey Law.

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