Evan Zoldan
@eczoldan.bsky.social
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Stoepler Professor of Law, UT Law, researching administrative law, legislation, separation of powers, and state and local government.
Articles here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1449563
Articles here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=1449563
Pinned
Evan Zoldan
@eczoldan.bsky.social
· Nov 2
In 2025, water security can mean anything from climate change to AI, said Evan Zoldan. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2025/10/31/water-security-ut-law-data-centers-drones-definition-great-lakes/stories/20251031109?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_
Data centers, drones upend the whole definition of water security
The University of Toledo College of Law focused its 25th annual Great Lakes water law conference on water security, which begs the question: What is it? ...
www.toledoblade.com
This article gives a good summary of last Friday's Water Conference.
This year's topic was water security and it featured experts in public policy, engineering, and environmental and water law, all of whom connected their work to the topic of water security.
This year's topic was water security and it featured experts in public policy, engineering, and environmental and water law, all of whom connected their work to the topic of water security.
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Thank you, Paul Caron: Shout Out to Larry Solum and the Legal Theory Blog • TaxProf Blog taxprofblog.aals.org/2025/12/30/s...
Shout Out to Larry Solum and the Legal Theory Blog • TaxProf Blog
On the cusp of the new year and its new beginnings, I pause to celebrate the astonishing continuity of the Legal Theory Blog, published since 2002 (at least) by Lawrence (Larry) Solum, now at the…
taxprofblog.aals.org
December 31, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Thank you, Paul Caron: Shout Out to Larry Solum and the Legal Theory Blog • TaxProf Blog taxprofblog.aals.org/2025/12/30/s...
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
It has been a bracing moment for American federalism, with both unprecedented efforts to extend executive control over state and local govts, novel forms of subnational resistance. Where is federalism going? Paul Nolette and I have edited a new issue of Publius on that question. Short thread:
December 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
It has been a bracing moment for American federalism, with both unprecedented efforts to extend executive control over state and local govts, novel forms of subnational resistance. Where is federalism going? Paul Nolette and I have edited a new issue of Publius on that question. Short thread:
Up on SSRN now, a new draft about Measuring Judicial Ideology with a special focus on state courts, forthcoming in the Ind. L. J.
With all of the recent discussion about the power of state courts to protect rights, it's worth noting the robust study of state court judge ideology. /
With all of the recent discussion about the power of state courts to protect rights, it's worth noting the robust study of state court judge ideology. /
Zoldan on Interpretive Methodology as a Measure of Judicial Ideology
Evan C. Zoldan (University of Toledo - College of Law) has posted Measuring Judicial Ideology Through Tools of Interpretation on SSRN. Here is the abstract: Although judicial ideology is well-accepted among legal scholars and…
Evan C. Zoldan (University of Toledo - College of Law) has posted Measuring Judicial Ideology Through Tools of Interpretation on SSRN. Here is the abstract: Although judicial ideology is well-accepted among legal scholars and…
Zoldan on Interpretive Methodology as a Measure of Judicial Ideology
Evan C. Zoldan (University of Toledo - College of Law) has posted Measuring Judicial Ideology Through Tools of Interpretation on SSRN. Here is the abstract: Although judicial ideology is well-accepted among legal scholars and political scientists, there is no universally recognized way to confirm or measure it. Literature measuring judicial ideology often infers the ideological preferences of judges from their behavior or from the behavior or observations of others.
legaltheoryblog.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Up on SSRN now, a new draft about Measuring Judicial Ideology with a special focus on state courts, forthcoming in the Ind. L. J.
With all of the recent discussion about the power of state courts to protect rights, it's worth noting the robust study of state court judge ideology. /
With all of the recent discussion about the power of state courts to protect rights, it's worth noting the robust study of state court judge ideology. /
A fed judge holds that Michigan is preempted by federal statute setting out interstate pipeline safety rules from restricting Enbridge's Line 5.
Reading preemption language broadly expands the authority of the federal government vis a vis state authority.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reading preemption language broadly expands the authority of the federal government vis a vis state authority.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
I'm very happy to share that I will be hosting the *Second* Annual Democracy and Public Law Works-in-Progress Conference at the Michigan State University College of Law on April 3–4, 2026! Law scholars (current and aspiring), I'd love to host you!
Application:
msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Application:
msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
September 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I'm very happy to share that I will be hosting the *Second* Annual Democracy and Public Law Works-in-Progress Conference at the Michigan State University College of Law on April 3–4, 2026! Law scholars (current and aspiring), I'd love to host you!
Application:
msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Application:
msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
I am quoted in this article about water security. The article gives a nice introduction to the Legal Institute of the Great Lakes' recent Water Conference.
www.farmanddairy.com/news/experts...
www.farmanddairy.com/news/experts...
Experts push for smarter water management in Great Lakes
Experts at the Great Lakes Water Conference explore how smarter policy, wetlands and collaboration can secure clean water and curb pollution in the region.
www.farmanddairy.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:21 AM
I am quoted in this article about water security. The article gives a nice introduction to the Legal Institute of the Great Lakes' recent Water Conference.
www.farmanddairy.com/news/experts...
www.farmanddairy.com/news/experts...
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
NEWS! The ABA Admin Law Conference is FREE this year, in light of the shutdown. Great for admin law practitioners, academics, and students. It'll be Nov. 21 but you'll also be able to access recordings for 30 days afterwards.
6 FREE hours of CLE (approvals pending), including 3 ethics hours:
6 FREE hours of CLE (approvals pending), including 3 ethics hours:
2025 Administrative Law Fall Conference
events.americanbar.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
NEWS! The ABA Admin Law Conference is FREE this year, in light of the shutdown. Great for admin law practitioners, academics, and students. It'll be Nov. 21 but you'll also be able to access recordings for 30 days afterwards.
6 FREE hours of CLE (approvals pending), including 3 ethics hours:
6 FREE hours of CLE (approvals pending), including 3 ethics hours:
This article gives a good summary of last Friday's Water Conference.
This year's topic was water security and it featured experts in public policy, engineering, and environmental and water law, all of whom connected their work to the topic of water security.
This year's topic was water security and it featured experts in public policy, engineering, and environmental and water law, all of whom connected their work to the topic of water security.
In 2025, water security can mean anything from climate change to AI, said Evan Zoldan. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/environment/2025/10/31/water-security-ut-law-data-centers-drones-definition-great-lakes/stories/20251031109?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_
Data centers, drones upend the whole definition of water security
The University of Toledo College of Law focused its 25th annual Great Lakes water law conference on water security, which begs the question: What is it? ...
www.toledoblade.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:05 PM
This article gives a good summary of last Friday's Water Conference.
This year's topic was water security and it featured experts in public policy, engineering, and environmental and water law, all of whom connected their work to the topic of water security.
This year's topic was water security and it featured experts in public policy, engineering, and environmental and water law, all of whom connected their work to the topic of water security.
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Welcome to the blog of the Legal Institute of the Great Lakes. The LIGL is a multidisciplinary research center located within the University of Toledo College of Law. LIGL is dedicated to supporting research, maintaining publications, and sponsoring conferences on issues related to the Great Lakes.
October 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Welcome to the blog of the Legal Institute of the Great Lakes. The LIGL is a multidisciplinary research center located within the University of Toledo College of Law. LIGL is dedicated to supporting research, maintaining publications, and sponsoring conferences on issues related to the Great Lakes.
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Join us for the 25th Annual Great Lakes Water Conference! The conference will take place on October 31, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. The conference will be held virtually. Registration is required and will close on October 29th. Registration link: secure.touchnet.net/C20238_ustor...
Great Lakes Water Conference
secure.touchnet.net
October 16, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Join us for the 25th Annual Great Lakes Water Conference! The conference will take place on October 31, 2025 from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. The conference will be held virtually. Registration is required and will close on October 29th. Registration link: secure.touchnet.net/C20238_ustor...
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Please help me get the word out about the new websites for Legal Theory Blog and the Legal Theory Lexicon. Reposting here and on other social media sites is great. It would be especially helpful if law school faculty members could send an email to their colleagues with the new addresses.
Legal Theory Blog
Discover our latest articles and updates. Stay informed with recent posts that cover a variety of topics you care about!
legaltheoryblog.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Please help me get the word out about the new websites for Legal Theory Blog and the Legal Theory Lexicon. Reposting here and on other social media sites is great. It would be especially helpful if law school faculty members could send an email to their colleagues with the new addresses.
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Honored to win the inaugural Emerging Scholar Award from the AALS Legislation and Law of the Political Process Section — based on my article Ad Hoc Constructions of Penal Statutes in the Notre Dame Law Review.
🔗⬇️
🔗⬇️
October 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Honored to win the inaugural Emerging Scholar Award from the AALS Legislation and Law of the Political Process Section — based on my article Ad Hoc Constructions of Penal Statutes in the Notre Dame Law Review.
🔗⬇️
🔗⬇️
Register now for the Great Lakes Water Conference.
This year's conference is on Water Security, including experts presenting on cyber security, water infrastructure, political challenges, climate change, and more.
Registration below:
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
This year's conference is on Water Security, including experts presenting on cyber security, water infrastructure, political challenges, climate change, and more.
Registration below:
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
Great Lakes Water Conference
Great Lakes Water Conference : College of Law : The University of Toledo
www.utoledo.edu
October 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Register now for the Great Lakes Water Conference.
This year's conference is on Water Security, including experts presenting on cyber security, water infrastructure, political challenges, climate change, and more.
Registration below:
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
This year's conference is on Water Security, including experts presenting on cyber security, water infrastructure, political challenges, climate change, and more.
Registration below:
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
(Last) Call for Papers: "New Voices in Legislation", 2026 AALS Annual Meeting in New Orleans (Jan. 7, 4pm).
Junior scholars will workshop drafts in groups, led by a senior commenter. Please send drafts to kevin.tobia@georgetown.edu by Sep. 19, 2025 with the subject "AALS New Voices Submission."
Junior scholars will workshop drafts in groups, led by a senior commenter. Please send drafts to kevin.tobia@georgetown.edu by Sep. 19, 2025 with the subject "AALS New Voices Submission."
September 17, 2025 at 12:37 AM
(Last) Call for Papers: "New Voices in Legislation", 2026 AALS Annual Meeting in New Orleans (Jan. 7, 4pm).
Junior scholars will workshop drafts in groups, led by a senior commenter. Please send drafts to kevin.tobia@georgetown.edu by Sep. 19, 2025 with the subject "AALS New Voices Submission."
Junior scholars will workshop drafts in groups, led by a senior commenter. Please send drafts to kevin.tobia@georgetown.edu by Sep. 19, 2025 with the subject "AALS New Voices Submission."
Good luck and enjoy the chance to talk about your important work.
August 14, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Good luck and enjoy the chance to talk about your important work.
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Today’s Friday Frivolity updates a classic teaching chestnut. Who needs a hypo when you’ve got an actual sign and a city ordinance that incompletely explains its scope?
lawprofessors.typepad.com/contractspro...
lawprofessors.typepad.com/contractspro...
ContractsProf Blog: Friday Frivolity: No Vehicles on the Bike Path!
I know, I know. That “no vehicles in the park” hypo is so tired. Clearly no such thing is possible in the modern age. Here’s a sign I came upon on my bicycle ride around Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City,....
lawprofessors.typepad.com
August 8, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Today’s Friday Frivolity updates a classic teaching chestnut. Who needs a hypo when you’ve got an actual sign and a city ordinance that incompletely explains its scope?
lawprofessors.typepad.com/contractspro...
lawprofessors.typepad.com/contractspro...
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
Just a reminder of my favorite idea for a law student note: Pick an important Supreme Court case from 5-10 years ago, and see how lower courts are interpreting it. It's helpful for practitioners and courts, and something law students can research and present effectively.
August 7, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Just a reminder of my favorite idea for a law student note: Pick an important Supreme Court case from 5-10 years ago, and see how lower courts are interpreting it. It's helpful for practitioners and courts, and something law students can research and present effectively.
I am on my way to Denver for the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB) Summit on Regulatory Excellence, where I will deliver the Atkinson Lecture on the state of regulation.
July 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
I am on my way to Denver for the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB) Summit on Regulatory Excellence, where I will deliver the Atkinson Lecture on the state of regulation.
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
📣 UW Law School's State Democracy Research Initiative is hiring! We’re searching for a program coordinator to support SDRI in all aspects of its work, from events to communications and research support. Apply here: go.wisc.edu/6p0b3n
Program Coordinator, State Democracy Research Initiative (SDRI) - Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:University StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Administrative Assistant IIJob Duties:-Serves as the Initiative's administrative point person, handles all matters related to logistics, planning, scheduling, and record-keeping;-Monitors and analyzes current events and briefs colleagues on ongoing developments;-Manages the Initiative's communications, including its newsletter, social media, and website;-Interfaces with student researchers to manage onboarding;-Assists staff with the creation of designs for social media content, research data charts, and other research and informational needs;-Plans and serves as the main point of...
go.wisc.edu
July 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
📣 UW Law School's State Democracy Research Initiative is hiring! We’re searching for a program coordinator to support SDRI in all aspects of its work, from events to communications and research support. Apply here: go.wisc.edu/6p0b3n
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
I just published a blog post on the terrific Yale JREG Blog that draws an interesting--and potentially important--connection between Congress's power to "appropriate" and the three "Vesting" clauses in the Constitution.
www.yalejreg.com/nc/vesting-v...
www.yalejreg.com/nc/vesting-v...
“Vesting” v. “Appropriating” in the Constitution, by Shalev Gad Roisman - Yale Journal on Regulation
This blog post draws an unlikely—but potentially quite important—connection between Congress’s power to “appropriate” and the three “vesting” clauses of the Constitution. It is an axiom of separation ...
www.yalejreg.com
July 2, 2025 at 3:48 PM
I just published a blog post on the terrific Yale JREG Blog that draws an interesting--and potentially important--connection between Congress's power to "appropriate" and the three "Vesting" clauses in the Constitution.
www.yalejreg.com/nc/vesting-v...
www.yalejreg.com/nc/vesting-v...
An unusual special legislation case: unusual because it is in federal district court rather than state court; and unusual because of a high-profile litigant: Bill Cosby.
Lasha v. Cosby: scholar.google.com/scholar_case... /1
Lasha v. Cosby: scholar.google.com/scholar_case... /1
scholar.google.com
June 30, 2025 at 8:56 PM
An unusual special legislation case: unusual because it is in federal district court rather than state court; and unusual because of a high-profile litigant: Bill Cosby.
Lasha v. Cosby: scholar.google.com/scholar_case... /1
Lasha v. Cosby: scholar.google.com/scholar_case... /1
Reposted by Evan Zoldan
🧵 I filed adverse public comments today on 13 individual rules from the Dept of Energy. 😮💨
The bee in my bonnet was the agency's improper use of a very specific procedure called "direct final rule." Buckle up for some in-the-weeds admin law!
The bee in my bonnet was the agency's improper use of a very specific procedure called "direct final rule." Buckle up for some in-the-weeds admin law!
June 16, 2025 at 10:26 PM
🧵 I filed adverse public comments today on 13 individual rules from the Dept of Energy. 😮💨
The bee in my bonnet was the agency's improper use of a very specific procedure called "direct final rule." Buckle up for some in-the-weeds admin law!
The bee in my bonnet was the agency's improper use of a very specific procedure called "direct final rule." Buckle up for some in-the-weeds admin law!
The Legal Institute of the Great Lakes is seeking applications for the 2025-2026 Fellowship.
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
Legal Institute of the Great Lakes Fellowship
Legal Institute of the Great Lakes Fellowship : College of Law : The University of Toledo
www.utoledo.edu
May 30, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The Legal Institute of the Great Lakes is seeking applications for the 2025-2026 Fellowship.
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...
www.utoledo.edu/law/academic...