Amy Wax

Amy Wax

Amy Wax

Amy Wax is an American law professor, neurologist, and academic known for her work in the fields of law and medicine. She is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she teaches courses on civil procedure, social welfare law, and the intersection of law and neuroscience.

Early Life and Education

Amy Wax was born in 1953 in Troy, New York. She attended Yale University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. She then went on to study medicine at Harvard Medical School, receiving her M.D. in 1981. During her time at Harvard, she developed an interest in the neurological underpinnings of behavior, which would later influence her academic career.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Wax pursued a residency in neurology at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. She became board certified in neurology and practiced as a neurologist for several years. Her medical career provided her with a unique perspective on the biological and psychological aspects of human behavior, which she later integrated into her legal scholarship.

Transition to Law

In the late 1980s, Wax decided to pursue a career in law. She attended Columbia Law School, where she earned her J.D. in 1987. Following law school, she clerked for Judge Abraham David Sofaer on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Academic Career

Wax joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2001. Her research interests include social welfare law, family law, and the implications of neuroscience for legal theory. She has published numerous articles and essays on these topics, often exploring the intersection of law, ethics, and science.

Controversies

Amy Wax has been a controversial figure in academia due to her outspoken views on social and political issues. She has been involved in debates over affirmative action, immigration policy, and cultural norms. Her comments have sparked discussions about academic freedom and the role of professors in public discourse.

Related Pages

• University of Pennsylvania Law School
• Neurology
• Law and neuroscience
• Affirmative action