Islamic and Jewish Legal Scholars Symposium

Call for Papers
Theme: “Islamic and Jewish Law in the Modern Economy”
Venue: Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
Date: May 5-6, 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025

The Islamic and Jewish Legal Scholars Symposium invites submission of paper abstracts for a workshop hosted at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, May 5- 6, 2025.

The symposium will explore the integration of pre-modern religious law and norms into the modern financial economy. The organizers anticipate that papers will explore the tools used by religious traditions to construct their own commercial law in ways that both align with and diverge from modern state law. Comparative inquiries between Islamic and Jewish law are encouraged, although comparisons to other legal traditions and/or works related to one religious legal tradition are welcome.

Papers are welcome from a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to legal studies, including law, sociology, anthropology, politics, and history, from scholars based in law schools and other academic departments.

This symposium is organized by the Islamic and Jewish Legal Scholars Symposium, whose leadership includes Samy Ayoub (UT Austin), Michael Broyde (Emory University), Chaim Saiman (Villanova University), and Rabea Benhalim (University of Colorado).

Paper abstracts of no more than 500 words should be sent to Chaim Saiman (saiman@law.villanova.edu) no later than Friday, January 31, 2025. Submissions are welcome from academics at all levels: Tenured, pre-tenure, non-tenure track, fellows, visiting assistant professors, adjunct professors, graduate students, etc.

Meals and lodging will be provided for all attendees. Limited, additional travel funds may also be available.