FSU Law Professor Recognized as Top 10 Most Cited Expert in Legislation Law

By Suzi Baugh, FSU News

Brian Slocum, a Stearns Weaver Miller Law Professor at the Florida State University College of Law, has been ranked among the top ten most cited law faculty in the United States for his scholarship in legislation including statutory interpretation and the legislative process.

The recognition is based on recent data compiled by a study from University of St. Thomas law professor Gregory Sisk, widely considered by legal educators as the most credible measure of a faculty’s scholarly impact. The study covers the period from 2019 to 2023.

“Professor Slocum’s recognition as a leading scholar in legislation law is a testament to his dedication and impact in the field,” said Erin O’Hara O’Connor, dean of the FSU College of Law. “His work not only enhances our academic community but also contributes significantly to the broader legal discourse.”

Slocum joins an elite group of scholars from prestigious institutions such as Yale, Harvard, Georgetown, William & Mary, Northwestern and Stanford law schools. His work has garnered attention from influential figures in the legal community, including retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who referenced Slocum’s paper, “Ordinary Meaning and Ordinary People” (co-authored with Kevin Tobia and Victoria Nourse), in his 2023 book, “Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism.”

“This recognition underscores the importance of legal scholarship in shaping our understanding of legislation and its implications,” Slocum said. “I’m honored to be included in this distinguished group and to contribute to the ongoing conversations around the interpretation and application of law.”

Slocum, who joined FSU Law in 2023 from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, specializes in areas such as statutory interpretation, language and law, administrative law and contracts.