RIP Professor John S. Baker, Jr.

Published: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm

BNN News: Remembering Professor John S. Baker, Jr.

The legal community mourns the loss of Professor John S. Baker, Jr., a prominent figure in constitutional law and a passionate advocate for his beliefs. Professor Baker, who passed away recently, was a recognized expert in originalism, natural law, separation of powers, criminal law, and federalism. His expertise was widely respected, and he was known for his dedication to these areas of legal thought.

Baker's influence extended beyond academia. He argued before the Supreme Court in the 1984 religious freedom case of *Wallace v. Jaffree*. He was also actively involved with the Federalist Society, where he led book clubs and seminars. Notably, he co-taught the Federalist Society's Separation of Powers Seminar with Justice Antonin Scalia for two decades. Attendees of this seminar frequently cited it as a highlight of their professional careers.

Professor Baker was also a regular contributor to JWI's Senior Seminar, a role he held since its inception fourteen years ago. JWI Founder & Co-Director Hadley Arkes described Baker as a "remarkable teacher" and a devoted figure within the seminar. Arkes highlighted Baker's active engagement, his efforts to create new programs, and his exploration of imparting constitutional principles to a new generation.

In remembrance of Professor Baker, a 2016 panel tribute to Justice Antonin Scalia, featuring Professor Baker, Professor Arkes, and other prominent thinkers, is being shared. Funeral service details will be available in the coming week.

BNN's Perspective: Professor Baker's passing is a significant loss for the legal community. His commitment to constitutional principles and his ability to engage with complex legal issues made him a respected voice. While his views were firmly rooted in conservative legal thought, his dedication to intellectual rigor and his willingness to engage in debate are qualities that should be celebrated. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence legal scholarship and discourse for years to come.

Keywords: John S. Baker Jr., Professor, originalism, natural law, separation of powers, criminal law, federalism, Supreme Court, Wallace v. Jaffree, Federalist Society, Antonin Scalia, JWI, Hadley Arkes, constitutional law, legal scholar, legal expert, death, obituary.

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