2025 Firearms Law Development Conference
The University of Wyoming Firearms Research Center (FRC) and the Duke Center for Firearms Law (CFL) are gearing up for their seventh annual Firearms Law Works-in-Progress Conference, a unique event scheduled for June 5-6, 2025, in Laramie, Wyoming. These two centers represent the only academic institutions in the United States dedicated to firearms law and policy research that embrace and publish scholarship from a diverse range of perspectives. This collaborative conference serves as a crucial platform for fostering intellectual exchange and encouraging insightful discussions on a topic often marked by polarized viewpoints. The conference invites submissions from scholars and practitioners across various disciplines, fostering a rich interdisciplinary dialogue that goes beyond the traditional confines of legal scholarship.
The conference aims to provide a nurturing environment for works-in-progress, allowing academics and practitioners to present their research on firearms law and policy in a constructive setting. The scope of the conference is broad, encompassing Second Amendment history and doctrine, federal and state gun regulation, and the intersection of firearms law with other legal domains. This inclusivity encourages exploration of diverse topics, welcoming submissions from established scholars as well as those new to the field. The conference is unique in its focus on firearms law and policy, providing a dedicated space for rigorous academic exploration and debate within this specific area. The expectation that presenters will subsequently publish summaries of their papers on the Wyoming and Duke Center blogs further amplifies the reach of the conference, extending the conversation and disseminating research findings to a wider audience.
The submission process requires interested individuals to submit an abstract of no more than one page by February 17, 2025. These abstracts should be submitted electronically as a PDF file to [email protected], adhering to specific formatting guidelines outlined in the call for papers. Acceptance notifications will be sent out by March 10, 2025. Upon acceptance, authors are expected to submit a full draft of their paper by mid-May, allowing sufficient time for distribution to moderators and participants prior to the conference. This advance circulation ensures a robust and informed discussion during the conference itself.
The conference structure facilitates engaging interactions among participants. Each accepted paper is assigned to a panel of three to four scholars and a moderator. The moderator plays a key role in summarizing the papers and leading the ensuing discussion, creating a dynamic environment for intellectual exchange. The conference spans Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon, with a relaxed dinner and social event scheduled for Thursday evening, further fostering a sense of community and collegiality among the attendees. This social aspect is a vital element of the conference, fostering connections and encouraging informal discussions beyond the formal presentation sessions.
A key expectation for all conference participants is thorough engagement with the presented material. Attendees are expected to read the papers in advance and actively participate throughout the conference. This emphasis on preparedness and active engagement creates an environment conducive to in-depth analysis and fruitful discussion. The collaborative nature of the conference is further emphasized by the expectation that presenters will eventually publish summaries of their papers on the Wyoming and Duke Center blogs, ensuring broader dissemination of the research and fostering ongoing dialogue within the field. This commitment to sharing research findings reinforces the centers’ dedication to promoting open access and fostering wider public understanding of firearms law and policy.
While participants are expected to seek travel funding from their home institutions, the Wyoming FRC and Duke CFL have provisions to cover some lodging and travel expenses for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. This financial support is particularly aimed at encouraging participation from junior faculty, especially those venturing into the field of firearms law and policy for the first time. This initiative reinforces the conference’s commitment to fostering the next generation of scholars in this critical area of research. The conference also welcomes contributions from practicing lawyers, recognizing the value of their practical experience and insights. This blend of academic and practical perspectives enriches the discussions and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of firearms law and policy.
The annual Firearms Law Works-in-Progress Conference, co-hosted by the University of Wyoming Firearms Research Center and the Duke Center for Firearms Law, embodies a commitment to rigorous scholarship, diverse perspectives, and open dialogue. By bringing together scholars, practitioners, and experts from various backgrounds, the conference fosters a robust exchange of ideas, promoting a more nuanced and informed understanding of firearms law and policy. The conference serves as an essential platform for advancing research in this critical and often contentious area, contributing to a more informed public discourse and ultimately, more effective policymaking.
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