Dr. Richard Lempert

Biography

Richard O. Lempert is the Eric Stein Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan Law School, where he has made significant contributions at the intersection of law and sociology. He served as the acting chair of the Department of Sociology and later as its chair. His research has focused on applying social science research to legal issues, particularly in the areas of juries, capital punishment, and the use of statistical evidence in courts. Lempert has served on various panels, including the National Science Foundation’s Law and Social Science Program, and chaired the National Research Council’s Committee on Law Enforcement Administration of Justice. He has co-authored influential works and has been a visiting fellow at prominent institutions. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Lempert has held significant roles at the National Science Foundation and has been instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific evidence and the legal system. He is also known for his teaching and has co-authored a volume on evidence law. His academic contributions include numerous articles addressing issues of scientific evidence and its implications for law, enhancing the dialogue between these two fields.

Research Interests