John L. Diamond, Professor of Law

Professor Diamond was raised in Chappaqua, New York and attended Yale College (B.A., Magna Cum Laude, Departmental Honors with Exceptional Distinction in Social Science 1972); Cambridge University (Diploma in Criminology 1973); and Columbia Law School (JD, Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar 1976). Before joining the UC Hastings faculty, Professor Diamond was associated with the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York, where he practiced in the litigation department. He previously served as law clerk to Judge Thomas P. Griesa of the United States District Court in New York.

Professor Diamond teaches and writes on torts, criminal and mass media law, and is author of a torts casebook, coauthor of a criminal law casebook and torts treatise. He is a recipient of the Northern California Association of Phi Beta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award, the Rutter Outstanding Teaching Award, UC Hastings Associated Students and UC Hastings Alumni office Teaching Awards, and has had the honor to be elected by the graduating class to give the faculty commencement address on nine occasions.

Professor Diamond enjoys tennis, body surfing and skiing with his wife, Lucia, and their son.

Courses Taught: Torts, Criminal Law, and Mass Media Law Seminar

Expertise: Torts, Substantive Criminal Law, Defamation, and Mass Media Law

My favorite part about teaching is... the opportunity to share the excitement of a new generation confronting today's legal issues and working to define the kind of society we choose to become.