Georgia State University College of Law has launched the Emmet J. Bondurant Center for Constitutional Law, Practice and Democracy. The center is named after Emmet J. Bondurant, a trial lawyer known for his work in voting rights and the protection of democratic institutions. Bondurant, along with his wife Jane Fahey, provided the founding gift to establish the center. Fahey is also recognized as an attorney and advocate for constitutional rights.
The new center aims to become a nationally recognized hub for research, practice, and advocacy related to constitutional law, democratic governance, and civic engagement. It addresses what university officials describe as a critical need in the Southeastern United States for focused scholarship on constitutional issues during a period when topics such as voting rights and trust in elections are prominent in national discussions.
Professor Eric Segall, Ashe Family Chair Professor of Law and executive director of the Bondurant Center for Constitutional Law, stated: “The center will serve our local, regional and national communities by providing an intellectual hub for the study and practice of constitutional law and election law through conferences, lectures and workshops for students, lawyers and judges, along with media contributions designed to further our democracy and the rule of law.”
Associate Director Anthony Michael Kreis said that Georgia State University’s faculty have been leaders in scholarship and public engagement on constitutional matters. He added: “The Bondurant Center will provide the College of Law with the infrastructure needed to become a hub for constitutional law across the region and the nation through creative programming that encourages critical dialogue on democratic values and the rule of law.”
The center will also focus on practical learning opportunities for students at Georgia State’s College of Law. Students will be able to work alongside experts on projects such as election law cases, amicus briefs before courts, and public education initiatives.
Bondurant emphasized this aspect by saying: “On the ground, the center will give students hands-on experience in shaping amicus briefs on constitutional issues before the courts. They will learn that the advocacy of a single lawyer can be the Archimedean lever that changes the entire system.”
More information about the Emmet J. Bondurant Center can be found at law.gsu.edu/bondurantcenter or by contacting Angie Tacker at atacker@gsu.edu.
