Dr. Mugambi Jouet

Biography

Mugambi Jouet is a Professor of Law at USC Gould School of Law. His research focuses on American exceptionalism, criminal justice, and comparative history from a multidisciplinary perspective. Jouet's scholarship has notably analyzed key concepts such as the death penalty, mass incarceration, juvenile justice, and the historiography of American law in contrast to Western democracies. In recognition of his work, he received the Brophy Prize in 2022 for an article that significantly advanced the study and understanding of United States legal history. He is also a recipient of the William Rutter Distinguished Teaching Award for his contributions to legal education. Jouet's work has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals including the American Journal of Comparative Law and the American Journal of Legal History. He authored the book 'Exceptional America: Divides Americans from the World' published by the University of California Press in 2017, which explores the relationship between American exceptionalism and the polarization of modern America. His commentary has been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times and NPR. Before joining USC in 2022, Jouet was a law professor at McGill University and served as a judicial clerk at the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague. He holds a PhD in Law, JD, MPA in Policy Analysis, and BA in History from prestigious institutions.

Research Interests