Dr. Peter Arenella

Biography

Peter Arenella is a Professor of Law Emeritus at UCLA Law, where he spent a prominent career before retiring in 2013. He is a nationally recognized scholar in criminal law and criminal procedure, with a particular focus on the relationship between criminal law and moral responsibility. His research interests span the complexities of moral agency, immaturity, and mental disability defenses, such as insanity and diminished capacity. A frequent lecturer on criminal law issues, Arenella has taught at several prestigious institutions including Rutgers University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Boston University. He has provided expert testimony and advice to congressional committees and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to his academic achievements, he has gained national prominence for his media commentary during high-profile trials, including those related to the O.J. Simpson case. Arenella's notable publications include works like "Miranda Stories" and "Convicting Morally Blameless" and he was awarded UCLA Law's Rutter Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1999. He has also worked as a legal consultant for major media outlets.

Research Interests