Columbia Law School's First Professor of Law Honored

220 Years of James Kent's Legacy

The Faculty of Law at Columbia University has established a scholarship in memory of James Kent, who became the first Professor of Law at the institution in 1793. Kent, an influential jurist, served as a judge on the New York Supreme Court and the Court of Chancery.

James Kent's Enduring Impact on Legal Education

Kent's lectures on jurisprudence were published as the four-volume Commentaries on American Law, which became a foundational text for American legal education. His work shaped the development of legal principles across the United States and continues to influence legal scholarship today.

In recognition of Kent's contributions, Columbia Law School awards the James Kent Scholarship to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. This prestigious honor recognizes the legacy of one of the most influential figures in the history of American law.