The Association of American Law School Torts and Compensation Section in January presented me the William L. Prosser Award for Outstanding Contributions for Tort Scholarship. It was an emotional moment for me. To be inducted into an exclusive club that includes such legendary figures as Leon Green, Guido Calabresi, Wex Malone, and Page Keeton among a short list of other nationally known tort scholars was obviously meaningful. When I began my career in law teaching some 50 years ago, I could not in my wildest dreams have imagined that I would receive such recognition from my colleagues.
When called to the podium to receive the award I thanked all those with whom I collaborated in my articles and case books, and then I paused and made some remarks that I believe are important to all members of the legal profession and perhaps beyond. I said that as great a day as this was for me, it almost didn’t happen.
