Starr Legacy
Under Ken Starr’s leadership, Caruso Law made significant academic and reputational
strides, beginning its ascent into the top tier of law schools nationwide. He invested
deeply in both faculty and students, encouraging scholarly excellence and generosity
of spirit. Thus, much like the rest of his life, Ken Starr’s deanship was defined
by a commitment to faith, law, and public service. The Ken Starr Institute builds
on that legacy—helping propel Caruso Law toward its full promise as the nation’s premier
Christian law school.
Faith Framework
Ken Starr's Christian faith was deeply intertwined with his career as a legal scholar, public servant, and advocate for values important to faith communities. Starr's vocal advocacy for religious liberty reflected a steadfast belief in the transformative power of faith to shape individual character, influence broader societal discourse, and influence discussions on issues ranging from religious freedom to moral values.
Shaped by Starr's personal and professional guiding values, the Ken Starr Institute aims to elevate scholarly discussions on faith and the law and initiate real-world opportunities to advocate for religious expression and the rights of religious believers from a broad spectrum of faith traditions in public life—a natural development of Pepperdine's commitment to the intersection of faith, education, and service.
Legal Thought
Caruso Law has long promoted viewpoint diversity within the legal academy. The Ken Starr Institute contributes to viewpoint diversity by promoting scholarship related to originalism and textualism. The institute provides dedicated resources for innovative research and teaching focused on the exploration of legal thought in the three vital areas of faith, law, and public service.
The Institute also hosts conferences on religious liberty and law and religion on Pepperdine's Malibu campus, at the University's Washington, DC, campus, and at the Château d'Hauteville. These conferences bring together scholars, jurists, practitioners with the goal of influencing public debates on the relationship of faith and law.
Scholarship and Public Service
Throughout his life, Ken Starr sought to encourage the next generation of lawyers to serve their country and communities. The Ken Starr Institute honors this legacy by bringing prominent public officials to Caruso School of Law to deliver speeches, lectures, and teach courses for law students. These educational experiences strengthen students for careers of service and leadership and encourage them to apply for judicial clerkships and positions with government officials, district attorneys, and congressional offices.