ABF Frequently Asked Questions
Below find the answers to frequently asked questions about the American Bar Foundation.
Q.) What is meant by “empirical” study on law and who conducts the research?
A.) Empirical study on law uses data drawn from observation or experimentation rather than legal doctrine or pure theory; it is research that examines testable questions.
The ABF has a research faculty of 25 eminent scholars with singular expertise in the law, sociology, psychology, criminology, political science, economics, history, and anthropology who hold either full-time appointments at the ABF or joint appointments with leading universities.
Faculty profiles and publications »
Q.) What kind of research does the American Bar Foundation produce?
A.) The ABF engages in empirical research on topics that have direct bearing on legal professionals in the course oftheir work, their lives, and in the world in which we live. Areas of study include: The Legal Profession, Civil Justice, Criminal Justice, Social Policy, Regulation, Law and Globalization, and Legal History.
Portfolio of our projects »
Q.) What kind of “foundation” is the American Bar Foundation?
- Does the ABF give funding or seek funding?
A.) The American Bar Foundation seeks funding for empirical research on the law and legal processes.
The ABF does provide funded fellowship opportunities for visiting scholars and doctoral students.
- How is the organization related to the American Bar Association?
A.) The American Bar Foundation was founded by the American Bar Association in 1952, and
is affiliated with the ABA, but remains an independent research foundation, free to set its own research agenda.
Q.) Who supports the American Bar Foundation?
A.) The ABF’s primary funding is provided by the American Bar Endowment, an organization established by the American Bar Association to advance research and education on the administration of justice. The ABF receives integral support from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. In addition to funding from many private foundations and individual benefactors, the ABF receives generous grants for individual research projects from national agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Law School Admissions Council.
Q.) What are some real-world results of American Bar Foundation research?
A.) ABF research findings have far-reaching impact on the legal profession, social policy legislation, education, and human rights. These selected findings are significant, intriguing, and important to all who have an interest in the law. ABF research changes laws that change the world.
Darfurian women in Eastern Chad refugee camp
Photo by Mia Farrow Children in early childhood education class.
Q.) What other initiatives are there at the American Bar Foundation?
A.) The ABF is committed to supporting the development of the next generation of scholars in law and social science. We offer a robust intellectual community life and every year welcome young faculty and visiting faculty to engage with our research professors.
Q.) Does the American Bar Foundation publish?
A.) In addition to our individual research projects, which have produced over 400 articles in refereed publications and more than 40 books since 1997, The American Bar Foundation is proud to produce two publications that are of direct service to the social science disciplines and the legal profession: Law & Social Inquiry and the Lawyer Statistical Report. Dedicated to ongoing excellence, our publications are hallmarks of the institution.