The Society annually awards prizes for outstanding research that helps to enrich the field of legal history though the scholarly study of the role of law across time, around the world, and with a wide variety of methods.

  • Global Dissertation Prize

    Criteria

    Best dissertation in global legal history

    Amount

    $500

    Deadline

    June 1, 2026

    The Global Dissertation Prize recognizes the best dissertation from the previous calendar year on topics centered outside the United States. Eligible dissertations must be written in English and submitted for a PhD, JSD, or equivalent doctoral degree, excluding the JD, awarded in the previous calendar year (for example, a dissertation for a PhD awarded in 2025 would be eligible in 2026).  Learn More

  • Cromwell Dissertation Prize

    Criteria

    Best dissertation in American legal history completed in the past year.

    Amount

    $5,000

    Deadline

    June 1, 2026

    The William Nelson Cromwell Foundation Dissertation Prize is awarded annually to the best dissertation in any area of American legal history, including constitutional and comparative studies, although topics dealing with the colonial and early national periods will receive some preference. The author of the winning dissertation receives $5,000. Learn More

  • Max Planck-ASLH Dissertation Prize for European Legal History in Global Perspective

    Criteria

    Ph.D./JSD

    Amount

    €2,700/month for 3 months, plus limited travel costs and insurance

    Deadline

    June 1, 2026

    The Max Planck-ASLH Dissertation Prize for European Legal History in Global Perspective will honor exceptional dissertations on topics in European legal history in global perspective and presented for PhD or JSD degrees awarded in the previous calendar year. Topics may include European legal interactions with people or places outside Europe, legal processes spanning Europe and other world regions, and developments in legal theory closely related to imperial, transnational, or trans-regional trends. Learn More
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The ASLH supports our members in many ways, including offering a variety of awards and fellowships, and funding of proposals and projects. In many ways, including offering a variety of awards and fellowships.

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