Jeffrey Kennedy

Jeff Kennedy is an Assistant Professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Law.

His core research interests are in criminal law and theory, with a particular focus on the public and political dimensions of criminal justice. His work frequently examines the implications of democratic ideals for various issues, including judicial ethics, cruel and unusual punishment, victim participation, and the nature of public wrongs. In a separate vein, his work has involved both theoretical and empirical research at the intersections of democratic theory, legal education, and university governance.

In several jurisdictions, he has taught Criminal Law, Sentencing, Prison Law, Criminal Procedure, and Criminal Evidence. His teaching has been recognized through a variety of honours, including a President and Principal’s Prize and Education Excellence Award (QMUL, 2021), as well as being named as one of five national finalists for Oxford University Press’ Law Teacher of the Year (UK, 2022). He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Professor Kennedy completed his doctorate at McGill University’s Faculty of Law after earning earlier degrees from McGill, University of Leicester, and Queen’s University. Prior to joining McGill, he was a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) at Queen Mary, University of London (2018-2023), where he also served as a Director of its Criminal Justice Centre.