Ilya Somin
contemporaryLibertarian Legal Theoryb. 1973
Ilya Somin is an American legal scholar and professor at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, known for his work on constitutional law, property rights, and political ignorance. He is a prominent voice in libertarian legal theory and has written extensively on federalism, foot voting, and the limits of democratic decision-making.
Notable Achievements
1
Developed the concept of 'foot voting' as a superior alternative to ballot-box voting for expressing political preferences
2
Authored 'Democracy and Political Ignorance' (2013), arguing rational ignorance undermines democratic governance
3
Contributed to Kelo v. City of New London opposition, influencing eminent domain reform debates
4
Authored 'Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom' (2020)
5
Prominent scholar on constitutional limits of federal power and decentralization