Ronald Rotunda facts for kids

Ronald D. Rotunda (born February 14, 1945 – died March 14, 2018) was an American law professor. He taught at Chapman University School of Law. Professor Rotunda was an expert in two main areas of law. These were United States Constitutional Law and Legal Ethics. He wrote important books about both subjects.

Professor Rotunda's Career Journey

Ronald Rotunda received a scholarship to attend Harvard University in 1963. He was 18 years old at the time. Later, he earned his law degree, called a J.D., from Harvard Law School.

Teaching and Advisory Roles

Professor Rotunda taught law for 25 years at the University of Illinois College of Law. He was known as the Albert E. Jenner Jr. Professor of Law there.

He also served as an advisor during important government investigations. For example, he helped Ken Starr during his time as a special investigator for the government. Before that, Professor Rotunda was part of the team that investigated the Watergate scandal. This was a major event in American history.

Teaching Prisoners

In 1966, Professor Rotunda taught a law course to prisoners. One of his students was Albert DeSalvo. Rotunda described DeSalvo as charming and helpful. This was different from the other students in the prison class.

Expert in Law and Ethics

Professor Rotunda's main areas of study were Constitutional law and Legal Ethics. Constitutional Law is about the rules that govern the United States. He wrote a very important six-volume book series about Constitutional Law.

His other main area was Legal Ethics, also called Professional Responsibility. This field is about the rules and morals that lawyers must follow. He also wrote an important book on Legal Ethics. In 2000, he was a senior fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. This is a research organization.

Professor Rotunda's Personal Life

Ronald Rotunda married Marcia Mainland in February 1969. She was a lawyer at the University of Illinois when he taught there.

He was also married to Kyndra Rotunda. They later divorced in 2014. Both Ronald and Kyndra Rotunda were professors at George Mason University School of Law. In 2008, they moved to teach at Chapman University.

Remembering Professor Rotunda

Professor Ronald Rotunda passed away on March 14, 2018. To honor his work and contributions, Chapman University Law School plans to name a special teaching position after him.