Inaugural Professorial Lecture – Professor Ben Schonthal: POSTPONED

Law’s Karma: Cause and effect in courtroom and cosmos
About Professor Ben Schonthal's research

Ben researches the interactions of religion, law and politics in Asia, with a particular focus on Buddhist communities. His work draws on training in Asian history and languages as well as social scientific approaches to the study of law and religion. He has published widely on topics such as religious freedom, constitutional design and religious nationalism. He has advised courts, governments and humanitarian organisations on issues relating to law and religion and co-directs (with colleagues in Law and History) the newly formed Otago Centre for Law and Society.

Ben’s current research explores the development and contemporary practice of Buddhist law in South and Southeast Asia, while also asking broader questions about how secular states deal with religious law. Ben received his PhD from the University of Chicago and has held visiting positions at Northwestern University, the Institute for Advanced Studies (Bielefeld) and the Law School at the University of Chicago. He currently serves as Associate Dean (International) for the Humanities Division.

This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee & juice.