In the world of legal academia and jurisprudence, few names have achieved as much distinction and reverence as Charles Fried, a brilliant legal scholar whose work significantly bridged the gap between law and ethics. Fried, born in Prague on April 15, 1935, and a survivor of the Holocaust, went on to become one of Harvard Law School’s longest-serving professors, distinguishing himself as a luminous figure that contributed immensely to the understanding of law.
Fried’s journey to becoming a titan in legal scholarship began in earnest at Harvard, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1956. He later studied in England as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, focusing on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Following his overseas studies, Fried returned to Harvard, obtaining an LL.B degree with high honors before starting his illustrious teaching career in 1961.
As a beloved and respected professor, Fried endeavored to foster the connection between law and moral philosophy. Not only did he excel in theoretical law foundations, but he also influenced the pragmatic application of these theories on the legal landscape. From 1985 to 1989, Fried served as Solicitor General of the United States under President Ronald Reagan, a testament to his tangible influence in the field of law.
Fried’s dual passion for law and philosophy fueled his academic contributions, propelling him beyond the confinement of lecture halls and into real-world law formation and interpretation. He staunchly advocated that law should go beyond an assortment of rules and regulations to incorporate moral and ethical perspectives. Many of his teachings and legal writings hinged on the concept of law as an entity capable of pursuing and achieving societal justice.
Apart from his substantial contributions to academia, Fried had a remarkable career in the public sector. His appointment as Solicitor General witnessed him arguing over 25 cases before the Supreme Court. His crowning achievement as Solicitor General was perhaps the defense of the Blackbird spy plane’s legality, vouching for its importance in United States’ national security. He spent his later years advocating for societal and ethical reasons behind legal policies, evidence of his unwavering commitment to the synchronization of law and morality.
Further amplifying his academic and public service credentials were his books. Fried authored multiple renditions that provided priceless insights into legal philosophies and ties between law and morality. Some of his books, like Contract as Promise and Order and Law: Arguing the Reagan Revolution, remain cornerstone texts for many law scholars and students, underlining their timeless relevance.
Charles Fried continually upheld a balanced blend of legal understanding with moral philosophy. His teachings and writings, combined with his practical legal work, painted a genuine picture of how law can play an instrumental role in shaping societal ethics. His embodiment of academic prowess and real-world application underscores the irreplaceable loss to the world of law and philosophy following his death on February 11, 2023, at the age of 88.
Fried’s life and work leave behind a resolute message: that the law is not just a mere appliance of societal control, but a potentially transformative instrument for ethical evolution. His passion for law and philosophy created an indelible impression in his students and continues to inspire legal scholars across the globe.