Tom R. Tyler is a preeminent scholar whose interdisciplinary work bridges psychological science and legal studies with profound implications for justice systems worldwide. He currently holds the position of Macklin Fleming Professor Emeritus of Law and Professor of Psychology at Yale Law School, following his distinguished service as a full professor since joining Yale in January 2012. Prior to his appointment at Yale, Professor Tyler served as a University Professor at New York University, where he taught in both the psychology department and law school from 1997 to 2012. His academic foundation was established with a B.A. in psychology from Columbia University in 1973, followed by an M.A. in 1974 and a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1978, which launched his pioneering research at the critical intersection of psychology and legal institutions.
Professor Tyler's groundbreaking research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of procedural justice and its impact on societal compliance with legal authority. His seminal work, Why People Obey the Law, first published in 1990 and republished in 2006, revolutionized the field by demonstrating that voluntary compliance with laws stems primarily from perceptions of procedural fairness rather than fear of punishment. His research established the critical insight that when individuals perceive legal authorities as treating them with respect, providing neutral decision-making, allowing voice in proceedings, and demonstrating trustworthiness, they develop greater legitimacy perceptions that foster voluntary cooperation. This paradigm-shifting scholarship has transformed approaches to policing, court systems, and regulatory agencies worldwide, with extensive empirical validation showing that procedurally just practices lead to reduced recidivism, enhanced public trust, and increased willingness to cooperate with legal authorities across diverse cultural contexts.
Beyond his scholarly contributions, Professor Tyler has profoundly influenced legal practice through his leadership as Founding Director of The Justice Collaboratory at Yale, which bridges academic research with real-world justice system applications. His work has been recognized with the Harry Kalven prize for paradigm-shifting scholarship in the study of law and society from the Law and Society Association in 2000 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Justice Research in 2012. Professor Tyler's research continues to guide implementation of procedural justice practices in diverse settings including problem-solving courts, restorative justice programs, and international policing initiatives, demonstrating that respectful treatment by authorities creates a virtuous cycle of legitimacy and cooperation. His enduring legacy is evident in the widespread adoption of procedural justice principles by legal systems globally, shaping a new generation of scholars and practitioners committed to building justice institutions grounded in fairness, respect, and public trust.
