He will teach introductory courses in Criminal Law and Procedure (Part I and II) to first-year students in the English Program. In Winter 2026, he will also offer an upper-year seminar titled Studies in Criminal Law: Criminal Law Theory, a course designed for students eager to explore the philosophical foundations and contemporary debates that shape criminal law.
Professor Law-Smith is in the final stages of a JD/PhD in Law and Philosophy at the University of Toronto (expected 2026), where he is completing a dissertation on the limits of state authority in the criminal justice system. He previously earned an MA in Political Science from the University of Toronto (2019), an MA in Philosophy from Western University (2018), and a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia (2017), where he received the Gold Medal for highest academic standing.
His interdisciplinary research focuses on criminal law, criminal procedure, tort law, and legal theory, with additional interests in evidence, sentencing, and constitutional law, particularly as it relates to Charter rights.
His work has been published in leading journals such as the McGill Law Journal (2024) and will appear in an upcoming edited volume on the political philosophy of G.A. Cohen. His current projects address issues such as mass incarceration, algorithmic sentencing, and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian prison system.
From 2023 to 2024, he served as Judicial Law Clerk to Chief Justice Richard Wagner at the Supreme Court of Canada. In 2025, he held a Visiting Researcher position at Harvard Law School, where he presented his research as part of the academic programming for visiting scholars.
"I’m thrilled to join the inspiring and intellectually diverse community of scholars at the University of Ottawa. I can’t wait to start teaching and engaging with the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make the Faculty of Law such a vibrant place. I’m excited to continue my research in legal theory, especially criminal law theory, and to explore new questions and ideas in this stimulating and supportive environment."
His appointment is a tremendous asset to our community, both in teaching and research. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Common Law Section and look forward to seeing him thrive within our academic environment.