GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Status

Forthcoming

Abstract

For over 25 years, U.S. law schools have sought to globalize their curricula, reflecting the increasing interconnectedness and international scope of legal practice. Although there have been efforts to take stock of the impact of globalization on law schools, the vast majority have focused on international law, not comparative law. This U.S. National Report, written for the International Academy of Comparative Law’s 2026 Congress, fills the knowledge gap. In summer and fall 2024, we conducted a survey that examined course offerings, requirements, and opportunities for JD students. The survey was supplemented by interviews and a literature review of law schools in U.S. jurisdictions in which comparative law has particular relevance, namely the mixed civil law-common law jurisdictions of Louisiana and Puerto Rico, and states with recognized American Indian tribes. Our survey shows a robust presence of comparative law in the curriculum, achieved through a variety of course offerings. Beyond general comparative law, these courses include Chinese law, Islamic law, EU law, and comparative constitutional law. Another notable trend is the opportunity to specialize in international and comparative law through dedicated programs and certificates, which exist at around one-third of the schools surveyed. These and other findings from our Report provide an important benchmark for U.S. legal educators as they design the curriculum of the future.

GW Paper Series

2026-37

Download

Included in

Law Commons

Share

COinS