Lawrence Lessig American social activist, professor Date of Birth: 03.06.1961 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Legal Career
3. Political Views
4. Advocacy for Open Access
5. Creative Commons
6. Political Reform Advocacy
7. Presidential Campaign

Early Life and Education

Lawrence Lessig was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics and management from the University of Pennsylvania, his Master of Philosophy from Trinity College, Cambridge in England, and his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1989.

Legal Career

After graduating from law school, Lessig served for one year as a clerk for Judge Richard Posner on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago and for another year for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Lessig began his academic career at the University of Chicago Law School, where he was a professor from 1991 to 1997. He then taught at Harvard Law School from 1997 to 2000.

Political Views

In his early years, Lessig identified as a conservative. He was active in the Republican Party's youth wing and considered a career in politics. However, his views changed significantly after studying at the University of Cambridge. Today, his political beliefs align most closely with progressivism.

Advocacy for Open Access

Lessig is renowned for his activism in intellectual property. He has vehemently opposed the extension of copyright terms in the United States. He is also an advocate for free software and the development of peer-to-peer technologies. In 2002, the Free Software Foundation awarded him its Advancement of Free Software Award, and in 2004, he joined the organization's board of directors. In 2006, Lessig was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a staunch supporter of net neutrality.

Creative Commons

Lessig is the founder and chief proponent of Creative Commons, a system of alternative copyright licenses designed to promote the sharing and reuse of creative works.

Political Reform Advocacy

In 2007, Lessig announced that he would no longer focus on internet copyright issues and instead prioritize addressing fundamental flaws in the American political system. He believes that the U.S. House of Representatives and Congress are beholden to a small number of wealthy individuals who use campaign donations to influence policy.

Presidential Campaign

On September 6, 2015, Lessig declared his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2016 election.