Hugh Spitzer

  • Professor of Law

Contact

Phone: (206) 685-1635
Email: spith@uw.edu

Education

B.A. 1970, Yale University Cum Laude, with Special Honors J.D. 1974, University of Washington LL.M. 1982, University of California, Berkeley

Curriculum Vitae

Areas of Expertise

Comparative Law — Constitutional Law — Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility — Legal Philosophy and Theory — Legislative Process — Local Government and Municipal Law — Washington State Constitutional Law

Recent Courses

LAW A 581 Washington Constitutional Law
LAW B 510 Problems In Professional Responsibility
LAW B 555 Roman Law
LAW B 597 Journal Seminar

Peer Reviewed Journals & Law Reviews


Books or Treatises

  • Robert F. Utter & Hugh D. Spitzer, The Washington State Constitution (2d ed. Oxford University Press 2013). 309 pages.

Book Chapters


Book Reviews

  • Hugh D. Spitzer, American Federalism: Punching Holes in the Myth, 84 Wash. L. Rev. 717-21 (2009) (reviewing John D. Nugent, Safeguarding Federalism: How States Protect Their Interests in National Policymaking (2009)).
  • Hugh D. Spitzer, Book Review, 40 Publius 563-65 (2010) (reviewing Robert A. Schapiro, Polyphonic Federalism: Toward the Protection of Fundamental Rights (2009)).
  • Hugh D. Spitzer & Charles W. Johnson, Theme and Variations, 21 Seattle U. L. Rev. 997-1001 (1998) (reviewing Robert F. Williams, State Constitutional Law: Cases and Materials (2d ed. 1993)).
  • Hugh D. Spitzer, Book Review, 18 Urban Law. 284-86 (1986) (reviewing Daniel Jack Chasan, The Fall of the House of WPPSS (1985)).

Professional Publications


News Media


Other Publications


  • Speaker, "Washington State Constitution", Law School for Legislators, Washington State Legislature (January 4, 2023)
  • Speaker, Intra-Governmental Disputes: An RPC Muddle Spring Conference, Proceedings of the Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys (May 5, 2022)
  • Speaker, The U.S. Election — The American Electoral System with Lisa Marshall Manheim, Universitas Indonesia (November 20, 2020)
  • Panelist, "Status of Washington State Constitution's Religious Freedom Provision in Light of Federal Law Developments", Second Annual Law and Religion Symposium, University of Washington School of Law (May 17, 2019)
  • Speaker, "Before A.I. – The Evolution of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties for Artificial Entities", Spring Judicial Education Program, Washington State Appellate Judges (March 26, 2019)
  • Speaker, "Mandatory Malpractice Insurance Task Force: Overview of Tentative Recommendations", Law of Lawyering CLE, Washington State Bar Association (December 14, 2018)
  • Speaker, "History & Application of Washington’s 18th Amendment", Interim Transportation Briefing, Washington Highway Users Federation (December 12, 2018)
  • Speaker, "History and Role of Counties in Washington", Washington State Association of Counties (December 12, 2018)
  • Speaker, "Lawyers in Non-Lawyer Roles (When Can a Lawyer Not Be a Lawyer?)", Continuing Legal Education, Thurston County Bar Association (December 4, 2018)
  • Panelist, "Eminent Domain, Community Renewal & Kelo", with Joel Ard, University of Washington School of Law and Seattle University Law School Federalist Society (November 20, 2018)
  • Speaker, "Inheritance Law in Ancient Rome", Annual Estate Planning Seminar, Washington State Bar Association Estate Planning Section and University of Washington School of Law (November 12, 2018)
  • Speaker, "Ethics in Government Work—How the RPCs Apply to Agency or Legislative Employment (When Can a Lawyer Not be a Lawyer?)", Legislative Staff Academy, (October 10, 2018)
  • Speaker, "History of the Washington State Constitution", Mirabella Retirement Community (July 6, 2018)
  • Speaker, "Trumping Home Rule and Sanctuary Jurisdictions: Constraints on Federal Actions to Induce State and Local Collaboration in National Programs", Annual Conference, International Municipal Lawyers Association (October 16, 2017)
  • Speaker, "Washington State's Constitution: What You Might Not Have Known-And SHOULD!", 24th Annual Washington State Affordable Housing Conference, (October 3, 2017)