Dec. 5, 2025

Prof. Rhodes Publishes Article on Tort Causation’s Constitutional Dimensions

Professor Charles “Rocky” Rhodes and his co-author, Professor Cassandra Burke Robertson, have published a new article in the Texas A&M Law Review entitled “Causation’s Due Process Dimensions.” This article argues that the Supreme Court’s punitive damages and personal jurisdiction due-process decisions provide a framework for navigating the tension between tort compensation for victims of mass harms and fairness to defendants when causation is difficult to prove. The Supreme Court’s due-process holdings regarding both punitive damages and personal jurisdiction emphasize the relationship between a plaintiff’s harm, the defendant’s conduct, and the state’s regulatory interests. The authors contend that this…

Nov. 19, 2025

Faculty Spotlight – Charles W. “Rocky” Rhodes

By Tanner O’Neal Riley When it comes to constitutional scholars, few blend intellect and accessibility quite like Charles W. “Rocky” Rhodes. A nationally recognized expert on constitutional law, Rhodes joined the University of Missouri School of Law this fall as the Edward H. Hunvald Professor of Law and Wall Fellow in Constitutional Law. For Rhodes, Mizzou represents a fitting culmination of a lifelong conversation about justice, power, and the meaning of the foundational elements of the law that shape our society. “It’s a rare opportunity,” Rhodes said. “Mizzou Law has an exceptional balance of scholarship, teaching, and service to the…

Oct. 23, 2025

Professor Rhodes publishes new constitutional law book

Professor Charles “Rocky” Rhodes and his co-author, Professor Renee Knake Jefferson, have published a new constitutional law book, “Constitutional Law: Foundations, Interpretations, and Commentaries,” through West Academic. Rhodes’ text melds the story of constitutional historical development with modern resulting doctrine by interspersing foundations chapters throughout the book detailing the development of constitutional law across typical doctrinal categories before thoroughly studying the resulting modern doctrine in detail. The book incorporates author commentaries and frameworks that introduce carefully selected and edited Supreme Court cases and explanatory materials. The book includes all the topics typically covered in constitutional law required courses…