About Gary Lawrence
Gary Lawrence Francione is a distinguished professor of law and philosophy at Rutgers School of Law–Newark, located in Camden, New Jersey. He earned his B.A. in philosophy from the University of Rochester in 1977. Following this, he pursued further studies at the University of Virginia, where he obtained both his M.A. in philosophy and his J.D. in 1981. His academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to legal scholarship and animal rights advocacy.
After completing his education, Professor Francione gained inexperience by clerking for prominent jurists. He worked for Judge Albert Tate Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and later for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court. These clerkships provided him with a unique perspective on the judicial system, which he later applied in his legal practice in New York City. In 1984, he transitioned into academia by joining the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he achieved tenure in 1987.
In 1989, Francione moved to Rutgers, where he made significant strides in integrating animal rights into legal education. In 1990, he, along with colleague Anna E. Charlton, established the Rutgers Animal Rights Law Clinic. This clinic was groundbreaking—it was the first in the United States to incorporate animal rights law into the academic curriculum, allowing students to earn academic credit for working on real animal-related cases. This innovative approach not only enriched the educational experience for students but also contributed to the broader discourse on animal rights. Professor Francione is renowned for his work in animal rights theory, particularly his focus on the property status of animals. He draws a clear distinction between animal rights and animal welfare, advocating for a theory of animal rights based solely on sentience.
His influential writings include "Animals as Persons: Essays on the Abolition of Animal Exploitation" and "Introduction to Animal Rights: Your Child or the Dog?" These works have garnered attention and respect within both academic and activist circles. His expertise has led to numerous appearances on radio and television shows, where he discusses his theory of animal rights and critiques of animal welfare law. Francione's contributions have significantly influenced the animal protection movement, particularly regarding the moral and legal status of nonhuman animals. At Rutgers School of Law–Newark, he continues to teach a variety of courses, including human rights, animal rights, criminal law, criminal procedure, torts, and evidence, thereby shaping the next generation of legal minds.
