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William Muir

Professor Emeritus
Personal Statement

Professor Muir teaches in the fields of American Politics and Constitutional Law. He received his B.A. (magna cum laude) and Ph.D. from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan. His publications include Freedom in America (2011), The Bully Pulpit: The Presidential Leadership of Ronald Reagan (Conservative Book Club Alternate Selection, 1993), Legislature: California's School for Politics (Choice Academic Book of the Year, 1982), Police: Streetcorner Politicians (Hadley Cantril Award, 1977, Honorable mention, Washington Monthly Political Book of the Year; Pulitizer Prize nominee, 1977), and Law and Attitude Change (American Political Science Association's Edwin S. Corwin Prize, 1967). He has taught at Berkeley since 1968, where he has been honored with its Distinguished Teaching Award (1974) and Phil Beta Kappa, Northern California’s Excellence in Teaching Award (1992). He served as Chairman of the Department from 1980 to 1983. In addition, he has been an attorney in New York City and New Haven (CT), a consultant to the Oakland (CA) Police Department, a member of the Finance and Commerce Committee staff in the California State Assembly, and a speechwriter for Vice President George H.W. Bush.

Research Interests
Constitutional Law
Degrees
B.A., Yale University
Ph.D., Yale University
J.D., University of Michigan