About Me
Abigail Stepnitz, PhD
I am an Assistant Professor in Law, Politics & Society at Drake University. A socio-legal scholar, I read, write and teach about law, migration, and climate change. I am particularly interested in how we talk and think about public institutions and the future of law. I teach courses in immigration, law & society, constitutional law, climate change, and popular culture.
Research
My research lies at the intersection of law and social science with topical emphases on climate change and migration. My scholarship consists of two main strands: (1) what I refer to as law’s “futures,” where I consider the normative implications of law-making in the face of the climate crisis and its attendant social, political and economic changes; and (2) the role of narrative and credibility in law and legal decision-making, with a particular focus on the experiences of climate activists and displaced people.
Teaching
A passionate and award-winning educator, my teaching experience spans foundational courses in law and society as well as advanced topics in immigration and citizenship, culture, climate change and research methods.